Well this week has been a bit better as I’ve gotten more familiar with the area and what what. Last Monday we played some nice soccer at our chapel on the field. It was the East London Zone against the Mdantsane Zone. So there were way too many players on the field…needless to say with Schamel, myself, and a few others…we were unstoppable. Haha. Well not really…but it did come down to 4 – 4 and we needed last goal wins…and of course I dominated and put the last goal in…it was a good ender.This week has been a pretty mixed up one tho…Tuesday was a long day. We’ve been helping a member in the ward move and they had SO much stuff it was ridiculous. Long hours…about 6 of them on Tuesday we were moving boxes back and forth and it was getting quite tiring. They moved into a house that must have been half the size and I really don’t know how they’re going to fit everything in. There were only about 4 or 5 of us helping out on
Tuesday…then the rest of the ward members were going to come on Wednesday. So after helping on Tuesday later on that night we went to one of our appointments…got dropped by the mother of the family…in which she hated me but liked my companion because he was south African. She was Dutch Reform, and wanted us to meet her minister…just another crazy person. But yeah that sucked that we got dropped…she said we could come back in a years time.
Wednesday morning we again helped move the Theron and Hill Family. We had a Christmas Talent Show with all the missionaries at the chapel. President and Sister Probst were there and we started out the activity in the morning watching a movie titled “The Christmas Shoes” and I’m pretty sure every missionary was holding back the tears…it was a sad show. But it was a nice one to watch (since we don’t watch any in the first place) after the movie we had a nice lunch of pizza, then the talent show. I did a bit of Tae Kwon Do and taught a couple other missionaries how to do a Volly Kick (dunno if that’s spelled right) but yeah it was pretty fun. Other talents included singing…poetry, stand up comedy (my comp) impersonations, soccer juggling, and a bunch of other stuff. It was so funny. That was only a few hours in the day then we went back to work in the evening. Just visited more members and got fed and visited other Lessactives and what not. That was about it.
Thursday we had Zone Conference and it was so long, but good of course. It went from 8:30 in the morning to 4:30pm. Things in the mission are continuing to change a bit…tighter schedules and just stuff president wants us to do. He wants us consistently out of our boardings by 10 AM, since the start of mission we’ve usually just either done service right in the morning or taken our lunch then and gone out by 12 or so. But he wants us out in our areas all day and just taking a sandwich or something with us. But it’ll be alright. Zone Conference is always good...it always gets us pumped up.
Friday after district meeting, went out to eat, then went to work. We focused a lot on finding new people, and we had a little bit of success. We have been told by our ward mission leader, who is awesome by the way, to work Gonubie and try to find some people up there…apparently it hasn’t been worked too much. It’s only about a 10 to 15 min drive from where we live, and it’s still part of our area…it’s just far from the church. Probably a 20 minute drive. But yeah…got in a couple of houses…not too successful tho. I don’t remember what else we did…
Saturday we played some volleyball with the ward in the morning…then soccer…(not that it’s our pday or anything) but then had to again do service for another family, the Thornhills, who were also moving. This move wasn’t as bad. We had a lot of help and their place was pretty small so we got everything done within a couple of hours. But I was beat after that. Later on that evening we just tried to do some more following up and find new investigators…idunno what happened…it’s all a blur. O wait…we had a surprise Braai with a member family who called us up and invited us over. It was dang good. Just talked for a while…there were about 10 or 15 people there…but way good food. That ended our night.
Sunday was good. Church was good. We did a singing thingy with another family singing Silent Night and I’m pretty sure we all started off tune and singing a different version from what we practiced…so it wasn’t the best. But it was alright I guess. Then the rest of the day we went around talking with members and others because the ward wants us to start helping members plant gardens…so we got spades and other things the other day…but yeah we just have been planning when and where for the members and less actives. That really concludes all our week.
It’s been good tho…I hope everybody has a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!Much love!Elder Devenney
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
December 14, 2009
Hey there!Well it’s been an interesting week with transfers and all. Mkhize and I had planned out what might happen to the two of us…we assumed because he had been there in Ilinge before me that he would be the one that was going to be transferred. We waited patiently on Tuesday for transfer news but nothing came. Not until the next morning. And it was a bit of a surprise. Instead of Mkhize leaving and me staying, it was the other way around. Mkhize would stay and get a new companion, and I would leave to go to East London 1st Ward. East London is about a 2 hour drive towards the coast, quite a big city. So that news came Wednesday morning and I left Thursday morning for East London. A nice long drive in the morning…then finally arrived and got my companion. Elder Turner is his name, from South Africa, Jo-burg. The area in which we work is COMPLETELY different from what I was previously working, which means that it’s going to take a while to adjust. I’m still a district leader of 4. The are is predominately white rich people. It’s a beautiful area as I’ve been able to work and go around the past few days. The area is called Beacon Bay, also work Gonubie, and even way north is called Sunrise on Sea. It’s a large area, and the work is a little slow. It’s completely different when you go from township missionary work, to white area missionary work, you cannot do the same things in the two. And I’ve hardly been in white area my whole mission, so I was kinda stressing about it at first. Mostly we’ve just been trying to visit the members and get to know them better. Our teaching pool is small…and as for the work it can be a little slow as I said…we struggle to get people coming out to teach with us…struggle finding new investigators…basically we could knock all day and no one would want to let us in…plus it’s holiday so it’s even worse. I’m not a big knockin on door fan anyway…so we’ll be working in a different way this transfer to try to increase our teaching pool.
Let me try to let you get a picture of what the area is like. Yes, it’s huge. We’re driving…of course. But parts of it are just beautiful…right on the beach…we take a daily drive on a road for about 10 minutes right along the coastline that looks at the ocean. We’ve gone on the rocks and found some seashells and relaxed a bit to figure things out. I love the smell of the ocean. So it is a beautiful area…which is a blessing…but it’s a difficult one…probably one of the hardest in the whole mission when it comes to success.
Elder Turner has already been here for 3 months. He’s a good guy. We’re getting along just fine. Saturday we had the ward Christmas party up at Bishop’s farm, which is far north in our area. I got to meet most everybody, had a nice braai…people were swimming…playing pool…just hanging out. So it was really nice and a way fun party. Church on Sunday was nice. The chapel is a very nice building and the members are great as well. Oh and the bonus of the rich areas to serve…is that we get fed all the time. That really is a change from my last area…so that is a blessing…if I don’t get too fat! Haha. Other than that idunno…just things are fine. There’s really not too much to tell…I’ve just been trying hard to learn the area…and know the members. There’s really not much else I can report on. Hope this is good enough of an update…Thanks!
Elder Devenney
Let me try to let you get a picture of what the area is like. Yes, it’s huge. We’re driving…of course. But parts of it are just beautiful…right on the beach…we take a daily drive on a road for about 10 minutes right along the coastline that looks at the ocean. We’ve gone on the rocks and found some seashells and relaxed a bit to figure things out. I love the smell of the ocean. So it is a beautiful area…which is a blessing…but it’s a difficult one…probably one of the hardest in the whole mission when it comes to success.
Elder Turner has already been here for 3 months. He’s a good guy. We’re getting along just fine. Saturday we had the ward Christmas party up at Bishop’s farm, which is far north in our area. I got to meet most everybody, had a nice braai…people were swimming…playing pool…just hanging out. So it was really nice and a way fun party. Church on Sunday was nice. The chapel is a very nice building and the members are great as well. Oh and the bonus of the rich areas to serve…is that we get fed all the time. That really is a change from my last area…so that is a blessing…if I don’t get too fat! Haha. Other than that idunno…just things are fine. There’s really not too much to tell…I’ve just been trying hard to learn the area…and know the members. There’s really not much else I can report on. Hope this is good enough of an update…Thanks!
Elder Devenney
Monday, November 30, 2009
December 1, 2009
Hope everybody had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
As for us, we were informed that we should not celebrate Thanksgiving, as it's not a recognized holiday here, and that normal proselyting would continue like a normal day. We all figured that's what would happen anyway, so it wasn't that big a deal.
Unfortunately the week started out a bit bad on my side. I got sick, food poisoning is what i'd imagine it was. I must have eaten something and it ended up making me feel horrible. So both Tuesday and Wednesday we didnt even go out into the area. Just hung around and tried to get some rest and get over it. Tried to drink lots of water, etc etc. It was a bit boring, but we ended up going on some nice walks (because being stuck in the boarding all day blows big time, and we found a nice lake/reserve place and we chilled up there for a while. It was way pretty. O and we had some problems with our electricity. It went out, so we went to go get some more (we have to buy our electricity when it gets low, well mission pays for it, ya know...) So we went to Pick N Pay to get some more (local grocery) and they said we were unable to buy it becuase it was blocked and a whole bunch of other stupid reasons. So we called the office, called the landlord, trying to figure out what to do. Needless to say we were completely out of electricity and they couldnt solve it that day. So we ended up spending the night with some other elders at their place. Same thing happened on Wednesday, still couldn't get any. So we had to sleep over again. But we did finally get it on thursday, which was great to have. Thursday i was feeling a bit better so we went back into the area. It was a slow week for us...but we stayed busy.
On Saturday we went to the chapel for our class that we teach, but found that the YM/YW were having an activity. It was a dance activity. So we hung around and helped out, ate a bit of food, that sort of stuff. It was pretty fun. They were learning how to dance...idunno what kind of dance...and then half of it just reminded me of high school becuase they'd form a bit circle and then random people would jump in for 30 seconds at a time...ya know...and then hop back out. Of course only most of the girls were brave enough to go in. A lot of the guys were even too scared to ask any of the girls to dance. It's funny...doesnt matter where you go in the world, guys are always more uncomfortable and shy when it comes to dancing and what what. So i have now made it a goal of mine that when i get home, i want to take a dance class. haha...but anyway, it was fun and ended up being a great activity for how small the branch is.
Sunday church was really good. Elder Mkhize and I spoke in sacrament meeting. I was the concluding speaker. It went really well...other than the chapel was hot and we only had fans in there...but it went really good. Our theme for sunday was Jacob 3:1,2 and Alma 57:27. It talked mostly about being Firm and Pure in Heart. So i talked a lot of about the stripling warriors, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and of course the Savior. I kept my time of 15 minutes and overall i think it went really well. I tried to focus my talk on how to have a Firm Testimony and how to live to it til the end of our lives like many of these men in the scriptures...But other than that church was good.We had a few appointments and just ended our day. A window of teaching has again presented itself to a PM family, Mama Matiso's family. I think i told you we're teaching her daughter Vuyokazi, as well as her other daughter. Only 2 out of the 5 are members if you remember me saying. But now the husband, although he struggles with english, has expressed how he might want us to visit him as well. We've been praying for fatherled families as this is our main focus. So hopefully this will be a father that we can bring into the church that will be strong support to the rest of his family.
Other than that...not much. Just keeping on going. Thanks for everything everyone! hope you enjoy the holidays!
Elder Devenney
As for us, we were informed that we should not celebrate Thanksgiving, as it's not a recognized holiday here, and that normal proselyting would continue like a normal day. We all figured that's what would happen anyway, so it wasn't that big a deal.
Unfortunately the week started out a bit bad on my side. I got sick, food poisoning is what i'd imagine it was. I must have eaten something and it ended up making me feel horrible. So both Tuesday and Wednesday we didnt even go out into the area. Just hung around and tried to get some rest and get over it. Tried to drink lots of water, etc etc. It was a bit boring, but we ended up going on some nice walks (because being stuck in the boarding all day blows big time, and we found a nice lake/reserve place and we chilled up there for a while. It was way pretty. O and we had some problems with our electricity. It went out, so we went to go get some more (we have to buy our electricity when it gets low, well mission pays for it, ya know...) So we went to Pick N Pay to get some more (local grocery) and they said we were unable to buy it becuase it was blocked and a whole bunch of other stupid reasons. So we called the office, called the landlord, trying to figure out what to do. Needless to say we were completely out of electricity and they couldnt solve it that day. So we ended up spending the night with some other elders at their place. Same thing happened on Wednesday, still couldn't get any. So we had to sleep over again. But we did finally get it on thursday, which was great to have. Thursday i was feeling a bit better so we went back into the area. It was a slow week for us...but we stayed busy.
On Saturday we went to the chapel for our class that we teach, but found that the YM/YW were having an activity. It was a dance activity. So we hung around and helped out, ate a bit of food, that sort of stuff. It was pretty fun. They were learning how to dance...idunno what kind of dance...and then half of it just reminded me of high school becuase they'd form a bit circle and then random people would jump in for 30 seconds at a time...ya know...and then hop back out. Of course only most of the girls were brave enough to go in. A lot of the guys were even too scared to ask any of the girls to dance. It's funny...doesnt matter where you go in the world, guys are always more uncomfortable and shy when it comes to dancing and what what. So i have now made it a goal of mine that when i get home, i want to take a dance class. haha...but anyway, it was fun and ended up being a great activity for how small the branch is.
Sunday church was really good. Elder Mkhize and I spoke in sacrament meeting. I was the concluding speaker. It went really well...other than the chapel was hot and we only had fans in there...but it went really good. Our theme for sunday was Jacob 3:1,2 and Alma 57:27. It talked mostly about being Firm and Pure in Heart. So i talked a lot of about the stripling warriors, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and of course the Savior. I kept my time of 15 minutes and overall i think it went really well. I tried to focus my talk on how to have a Firm Testimony and how to live to it til the end of our lives like many of these men in the scriptures...But other than that church was good.We had a few appointments and just ended our day. A window of teaching has again presented itself to a PM family, Mama Matiso's family. I think i told you we're teaching her daughter Vuyokazi, as well as her other daughter. Only 2 out of the 5 are members if you remember me saying. But now the husband, although he struggles with english, has expressed how he might want us to visit him as well. We've been praying for fatherled families as this is our main focus. So hopefully this will be a father that we can bring into the church that will be strong support to the rest of his family.
Other than that...not much. Just keeping on going. Thanks for everything everyone! hope you enjoy the holidays!
Elder Devenney
Monday, November 9, 2009
Nov 9th, 2009
Well because of last week i'll try to make up for it by saying a bit of what you would have heard last week, as well as this week...
Starting last week i wrote about one of our investigators named Vuyokazi. A 23 year old Part member family member. Her mother and sister are both members, and now she's getting interested as well. Even the father of the family came to church for the first time yesterday...So There's mama Matiso, (mother) and amanda (other sister) who are both recent converts probably within the past 4 months or so. But are active and excited. So anyway...with Vuyokazi...we've been visiting her for just a couple of weeks now and she's come to church maybe 4 times or so, maybe more. She's a fashion designer, has her own shop here in Queenstown. It's a new business for her tho, so she just started. We talked with her a little bit about faith a few weeks ago and challenged her to act on her faith and do something to increase her faith in the Saviour. We gave her til the next time we saw her, which would just be a couple of days, then we'd follow up and see how it went. Anyway, to make a long story short, she expressed how truly she saw how her prayers were making a difference. She had been praying sincerely that people would come to her store so that she would be able to have enough money for rent, etc, and her prayers were answered. Her business is going well...even with how new it is. I think there's also some issue with her and her father...but i'm excited to find out her thoughts about him now that he visited the church yesterday...Also something else that she told us was that some lady came into her store and told her how nice she was and how great her work was and the lady ended up asking Vuyokazi what church she goes to, surprisingly enough she ended up saying the LDS church. (previously she had been going to a happy clappy church, ya know drums and all...but i know she hadnt learned anything there) and when the lady heard her say that she said "why!? how could such a good girl like you go to THAT church" "why dont you come to my house and i'll tell you all about those mormons and what they believe in". Good thing Vuyokazi ended up sticking up for herself and told her no thanks, even when she's only come a couple of times and at that point we had probably only sat down with her 3 times with short visits. She could have easily found some anti stuff through this lady, but we were glad that she stood up for herself and what she's been feeling and was able to deny that lady. I was happy to hear that. But she's doing well nonetheless. We'll see what happens with that family in the future. We're slowly getting them all to church one by one...
Last week for our book of mormon class we taught about how to introduce the book to people in a sit down situation. Had some practice role plays, evaluated, repracticed, it was pretty intereting. The Ym and Yw have been doing a lot of missionary work for us, going out and talking to people about the gospel, and even tried to teach for themselves...which is something they shouldnt do without us, and luckily we corrected them...but they're really finding joy in missionary work. And they've given us a lot of referrals which was great to see. So this time for our BOM class, this past saturday...we focused on Pass Along Cards. How to talk to a random stranger on the street and invite them to take the card, etc etc. We kinda did the same thing, practiced, role played, then took it to real life and had an activity to give away pass along cards to those walking by the chapel. Everybody was so scared at first, but once they started they realized it wasn't that bad and would want to give away more. We had huge success with it. Including referrals from the contacts they made, with some we've already visited yesterday. The branch is becoming more and more focused on missionary work through classes, as well as the Family Mission Plan of which i've spoken about in past weeks...
As for this week...things are going just fine. We've been having a lot of success in bringing people to church. I think my first couple of weeks we were only getting maybe 2 or 3 investigators at church, now we have usually 8 or 9. So we're feeling good about our efforts on that side.
Silindokuhle, our RC, was ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday which is good to see. He's a solid young man.
O on saturday night we had a nice dinner with the Ndlelo's, 1st counselor in BP, and YW pres...i'm sure i've mentioned them before. I had promised to make them a chocolate cake, so that was half the reason of going over there. Which we did by the way and it was fantastic as always. Then they made us some pop and pork and stuff...pretty nice meal.
O yes, we had workshops and interviews this past week which i almost forgot about. On the 18th of this month we're having Elder Hinkley, (Pres. HInkley's son) come to our mission and tour it. Well almost this whole transfer, but on the 18th is our Zone Conference in which we'll see him. The focus for this transfer is Chapter 3 of PMG, all the basic things that we teach. So for ZC when he comes, one companionship will have to teach him The Plan of Salvation in 15 minutes...i'm hoping that we wont get picked for that one. haha. It would be a bit intimidating yeah...So that's what the workshop was on. And that's what we're going to focus on in District meetings and so on...just to prepare for that. How to better teach these lessons...Should be interesting.
Other than that there's really not much else going on. Things are good. Ilinge is fine. No big news there i suppose. Just teaching and having a good time! Hope that was a good update for ya...
Thanks,Elder Devenney
Starting last week i wrote about one of our investigators named Vuyokazi. A 23 year old Part member family member. Her mother and sister are both members, and now she's getting interested as well. Even the father of the family came to church for the first time yesterday...So There's mama Matiso, (mother) and amanda (other sister) who are both recent converts probably within the past 4 months or so. But are active and excited. So anyway...with Vuyokazi...we've been visiting her for just a couple of weeks now and she's come to church maybe 4 times or so, maybe more. She's a fashion designer, has her own shop here in Queenstown. It's a new business for her tho, so she just started. We talked with her a little bit about faith a few weeks ago and challenged her to act on her faith and do something to increase her faith in the Saviour. We gave her til the next time we saw her, which would just be a couple of days, then we'd follow up and see how it went. Anyway, to make a long story short, she expressed how truly she saw how her prayers were making a difference. She had been praying sincerely that people would come to her store so that she would be able to have enough money for rent, etc, and her prayers were answered. Her business is going well...even with how new it is. I think there's also some issue with her and her father...but i'm excited to find out her thoughts about him now that he visited the church yesterday...Also something else that she told us was that some lady came into her store and told her how nice she was and how great her work was and the lady ended up asking Vuyokazi what church she goes to, surprisingly enough she ended up saying the LDS church. (previously she had been going to a happy clappy church, ya know drums and all...but i know she hadnt learned anything there) and when the lady heard her say that she said "why!? how could such a good girl like you go to THAT church" "why dont you come to my house and i'll tell you all about those mormons and what they believe in". Good thing Vuyokazi ended up sticking up for herself and told her no thanks, even when she's only come a couple of times and at that point we had probably only sat down with her 3 times with short visits. She could have easily found some anti stuff through this lady, but we were glad that she stood up for herself and what she's been feeling and was able to deny that lady. I was happy to hear that. But she's doing well nonetheless. We'll see what happens with that family in the future. We're slowly getting them all to church one by one...
Last week for our book of mormon class we taught about how to introduce the book to people in a sit down situation. Had some practice role plays, evaluated, repracticed, it was pretty intereting. The Ym and Yw have been doing a lot of missionary work for us, going out and talking to people about the gospel, and even tried to teach for themselves...which is something they shouldnt do without us, and luckily we corrected them...but they're really finding joy in missionary work. And they've given us a lot of referrals which was great to see. So this time for our BOM class, this past saturday...we focused on Pass Along Cards. How to talk to a random stranger on the street and invite them to take the card, etc etc. We kinda did the same thing, practiced, role played, then took it to real life and had an activity to give away pass along cards to those walking by the chapel. Everybody was so scared at first, but once they started they realized it wasn't that bad and would want to give away more. We had huge success with it. Including referrals from the contacts they made, with some we've already visited yesterday. The branch is becoming more and more focused on missionary work through classes, as well as the Family Mission Plan of which i've spoken about in past weeks...
As for this week...things are going just fine. We've been having a lot of success in bringing people to church. I think my first couple of weeks we were only getting maybe 2 or 3 investigators at church, now we have usually 8 or 9. So we're feeling good about our efforts on that side.
Silindokuhle, our RC, was ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday which is good to see. He's a solid young man.
O on saturday night we had a nice dinner with the Ndlelo's, 1st counselor in BP, and YW pres...i'm sure i've mentioned them before. I had promised to make them a chocolate cake, so that was half the reason of going over there. Which we did by the way and it was fantastic as always. Then they made us some pop and pork and stuff...pretty nice meal.
O yes, we had workshops and interviews this past week which i almost forgot about. On the 18th of this month we're having Elder Hinkley, (Pres. HInkley's son) come to our mission and tour it. Well almost this whole transfer, but on the 18th is our Zone Conference in which we'll see him. The focus for this transfer is Chapter 3 of PMG, all the basic things that we teach. So for ZC when he comes, one companionship will have to teach him The Plan of Salvation in 15 minutes...i'm hoping that we wont get picked for that one. haha. It would be a bit intimidating yeah...So that's what the workshop was on. And that's what we're going to focus on in District meetings and so on...just to prepare for that. How to better teach these lessons...Should be interesting.
Other than that there's really not much else going on. Things are good. Ilinge is fine. No big news there i suppose. Just teaching and having a good time! Hope that was a good update for ya...
Thanks,Elder Devenney
Monday, November 2, 2009
Oct 26, 2009
Good morning everybody! It has been another week here in South Africa where the weather has been up and down. Rainstorms, overcast, sunny and hot, it's been it all. I hope you're all enjoying the weather back at home...whether that's hot or cold i do not know...
Yesterday Silindokuhle entered the waters of baptism! It was really great. He's such a good kid. Monde, one of the other Priesthood holders who fellowships with us on a regular basis did the baptism. It was great actually, neither my companion or i got chosen to do any part of the program. Didnt even have to give a talk. haha. I think it's the best like that. If the members can do the baptism and confirmation and what what, then as soon as we Elders leave it's not a big deal for the investigators getting baptized. Yesterday was a rainy day tho...so i felt bad for those getting into the water...it couldnt have been too warm. As we all huddled around the outside baptismal font, with some watching from the inside, Monde had to dunk him 3 times because Silindokuhle kept floating to the top. haha. It was a pretty funny scene. But it worked out in the end on the 3rd try. :) He'll be confirmed a member of the church this coming sunday by Bro Patha, our 19 year old young mens president who comes to see Silindokuhle quite often with us.
As for other parts of the week...It's been off and on with good things happening and what not. Some days almost everything would fall through...and it would be hard to find productive things to do in the mean time. We did however do some good service this week at the Branch Presidents house, President Mjiba helping him "transplant" grass to another location...it was funny. He's a hilarious man. Then we also helped another member at the local clinic in the garden diggin around some corn, or mealie as they call it. It was good to get out and get dirty a bit.
We've had some really great Lesson 1 lessons this week with investigators. One in particular using an object lesson and at the end she said that if we're telling her the truth and as she finds out about it, she'll have to join the church because she hasn't felt like she's coming as close to Christ as she should have been, but if she does what we've challenged her to do, she'll be making the right step toward Him, she said. It's a mother and a son who is a referral from Monde actually. Just taught the mother, but we feel pretty good about it. We also did see the Nunu Family again, watched the Restoration DVD. There was one case where we tried to watch that dvd with a Recent Convert this past week...unfortunately for some reason half the sound wasn't working...but it was quite pathetic when i could quote the whole movie. I wish i knew how many times i've watched that DVD in the past year...i remember i went on an exchange with this elder in Namibia, and we watched it 5 times that day...sorry just a side note...
So lets see what else...We got that frisbee...and played that and rugby last monday...idunno if i told you or not. But that was freakin fun! I miss playing regular sports...and it's sad that i get winded within the first 5 minutes of playing. I'm still so out of shape...
I'm thinking of something exciting that i could tell ya that's happened this past week but i'm struggling...so i might just leave it at that. Just know that life is going fine...nothing too much has changed. Transfer news will come tomorrow. I'll let ya know if anything major happens...Nkosi!
Mdala Devenney
Yesterday Silindokuhle entered the waters of baptism! It was really great. He's such a good kid. Monde, one of the other Priesthood holders who fellowships with us on a regular basis did the baptism. It was great actually, neither my companion or i got chosen to do any part of the program. Didnt even have to give a talk. haha. I think it's the best like that. If the members can do the baptism and confirmation and what what, then as soon as we Elders leave it's not a big deal for the investigators getting baptized. Yesterday was a rainy day tho...so i felt bad for those getting into the water...it couldnt have been too warm. As we all huddled around the outside baptismal font, with some watching from the inside, Monde had to dunk him 3 times because Silindokuhle kept floating to the top. haha. It was a pretty funny scene. But it worked out in the end on the 3rd try. :) He'll be confirmed a member of the church this coming sunday by Bro Patha, our 19 year old young mens president who comes to see Silindokuhle quite often with us.
As for other parts of the week...It's been off and on with good things happening and what not. Some days almost everything would fall through...and it would be hard to find productive things to do in the mean time. We did however do some good service this week at the Branch Presidents house, President Mjiba helping him "transplant" grass to another location...it was funny. He's a hilarious man. Then we also helped another member at the local clinic in the garden diggin around some corn, or mealie as they call it. It was good to get out and get dirty a bit.
We've had some really great Lesson 1 lessons this week with investigators. One in particular using an object lesson and at the end she said that if we're telling her the truth and as she finds out about it, she'll have to join the church because she hasn't felt like she's coming as close to Christ as she should have been, but if she does what we've challenged her to do, she'll be making the right step toward Him, she said. It's a mother and a son who is a referral from Monde actually. Just taught the mother, but we feel pretty good about it. We also did see the Nunu Family again, watched the Restoration DVD. There was one case where we tried to watch that dvd with a Recent Convert this past week...unfortunately for some reason half the sound wasn't working...but it was quite pathetic when i could quote the whole movie. I wish i knew how many times i've watched that DVD in the past year...i remember i went on an exchange with this elder in Namibia, and we watched it 5 times that day...sorry just a side note...
So lets see what else...We got that frisbee...and played that and rugby last monday...idunno if i told you or not. But that was freakin fun! I miss playing regular sports...and it's sad that i get winded within the first 5 minutes of playing. I'm still so out of shape...
I'm thinking of something exciting that i could tell ya that's happened this past week but i'm struggling...so i might just leave it at that. Just know that life is going fine...nothing too much has changed. Transfer news will come tomorrow. I'll let ya know if anything major happens...Nkosi!
Mdala Devenney
Monday, October 19, 2009
Oct 19, 2009
Good morning!
It's a very nice looking monday here, as throughout the week we've been on and off rain and now it's a cool sunny day...I hope everybody's week went great and are all doing well!
On my side things are about the same as usual. I cant say too many great things happened over the past week...but i'll tell you anyway.
Monday we were on a search for a frisbee and we went everywhere looking for one. Apparently frisbees dont exist in this place...so unfortunately we were unable to find one that day. But we were able to obtain one during the course of the week so that's what we'll be doing today.
We were having a bit of trouble with our car, the ABS kept acting up, and we took it in, they couldnt fix it right then, and they're going to have to order a new part. But in the mean time we're still able to drive the car...which is a blessing. Having to have the other elders drive us to and from our area, and having to walk all around ilinge is not a fun thing to do.
We had some great lessons this past week. We organized for a couple of Recent Convert lessons to be taught by not us, but by their home teachers and other members. Specifically we had one to a RC young woman who had her two home teachers teach, as well as 2 friends in the YW all teach about the Plan of Salvation. It was like a massive army in that house. It went great. We were there just for support. It gave the members more opportunities to teach, and of course the RC gets someone else to hear from other than just us. So we felt like it went really well. We also did it with another Recent Convert Afika who was baptized only about a month ago. It went great.
Silindokhule is doing great. He'll be getting baptized this coming Sunday. He's stoked for it.
We went on exchanges on friday, i went with Elder Lyman...came to ilinge and we worked my area. He's from...Highland or something like that. Anyway, it went fine. Nothing to really report on there...
We've continued to introduce the Family Mission plan to 3 more families this week. All of which were quite excited about it and really feel that it'll help in the goals that the branch has set. We took it to the branch president Mjiba and his wife/family, as well as to the Elders Quorum Pres Mabobole and also to his first counselor Bro Erik and his family. We got great responses with it. So it's slowly making its way through the branch to each family. That's our main goal as you know..to get it to every family that we possibly can. As long as their willing to use the plan.
On saturday we had the Book of Mormon class that we taught and it went really well. We're looking at the comparison between the Bible and the Book of Mormon and what each one says about another. Had group discussions, presentations, went really well i thought.
We're teaching a family, well it's a part member family, the Nunu's. I might have said something about them already but this week we were able to really start teaching them. We taught the first lesson and about the book of mormon on another visit. The husband is the only member,but is LA anyway. The mother has known missionaries, but never allowed them to teach her or the family. We're now teaching her and 3 of their kids. She says she doesnt know what changed her mind this time of why she's allowing us to teach her, but she says she likes us for some reason. She always jokes that because she only has one son that she wants the two of us to be her other sons and just stay at her house. It's pretty funny. We taught some great lessons and we're again going there on wednesday. She and the kids are part of the Assemblies of God church, but likes us and likes what her husband has turned into since he's joined the church. It might take a while, but i see some good things happening with the family...if they dont disappoint us...
There's not too much else going on lately...church was great yesterday. The whole sacrament room was basically full. Most people i've seen...that's stll only about 75 people or so tho...which is apparently not as many as they used to have in the past...but things are going great. We also kinda put in a word at our correlation meeting that the missionaries are not getting fed much here in Ilinge...hopefully some things will start to change. At least on sunday...So i think because we kidna guilted Pres. Ndlelo into announcing that for us...and how we complained...him and his wife fed us yesterday. They're awesome. They tried to surprise us with it but we kinda already figured he'd feed us. Then we just talked last night forever about their missions and a bunch of other stuff. They were both missionaries to the Kampala Uganda mission a little over 3 years ago. That's how they met eachother...but yeah their super awesome.
That about does it for now...Thanks!
Mdala Devenney
It's a very nice looking monday here, as throughout the week we've been on and off rain and now it's a cool sunny day...I hope everybody's week went great and are all doing well!
On my side things are about the same as usual. I cant say too many great things happened over the past week...but i'll tell you anyway.
Monday we were on a search for a frisbee and we went everywhere looking for one. Apparently frisbees dont exist in this place...so unfortunately we were unable to find one that day. But we were able to obtain one during the course of the week so that's what we'll be doing today.
We were having a bit of trouble with our car, the ABS kept acting up, and we took it in, they couldnt fix it right then, and they're going to have to order a new part. But in the mean time we're still able to drive the car...which is a blessing. Having to have the other elders drive us to and from our area, and having to walk all around ilinge is not a fun thing to do.
We had some great lessons this past week. We organized for a couple of Recent Convert lessons to be taught by not us, but by their home teachers and other members. Specifically we had one to a RC young woman who had her two home teachers teach, as well as 2 friends in the YW all teach about the Plan of Salvation. It was like a massive army in that house. It went great. We were there just for support. It gave the members more opportunities to teach, and of course the RC gets someone else to hear from other than just us. So we felt like it went really well. We also did it with another Recent Convert Afika who was baptized only about a month ago. It went great.
Silindokhule is doing great. He'll be getting baptized this coming Sunday. He's stoked for it.
We went on exchanges on friday, i went with Elder Lyman...came to ilinge and we worked my area. He's from...Highland or something like that. Anyway, it went fine. Nothing to really report on there...
We've continued to introduce the Family Mission plan to 3 more families this week. All of which were quite excited about it and really feel that it'll help in the goals that the branch has set. We took it to the branch president Mjiba and his wife/family, as well as to the Elders Quorum Pres Mabobole and also to his first counselor Bro Erik and his family. We got great responses with it. So it's slowly making its way through the branch to each family. That's our main goal as you know..to get it to every family that we possibly can. As long as their willing to use the plan.
On saturday we had the Book of Mormon class that we taught and it went really well. We're looking at the comparison between the Bible and the Book of Mormon and what each one says about another. Had group discussions, presentations, went really well i thought.
We're teaching a family, well it's a part member family, the Nunu's. I might have said something about them already but this week we were able to really start teaching them. We taught the first lesson and about the book of mormon on another visit. The husband is the only member,but is LA anyway. The mother has known missionaries, but never allowed them to teach her or the family. We're now teaching her and 3 of their kids. She says she doesnt know what changed her mind this time of why she's allowing us to teach her, but she says she likes us for some reason. She always jokes that because she only has one son that she wants the two of us to be her other sons and just stay at her house. It's pretty funny. We taught some great lessons and we're again going there on wednesday. She and the kids are part of the Assemblies of God church, but likes us and likes what her husband has turned into since he's joined the church. It might take a while, but i see some good things happening with the family...if they dont disappoint us...
There's not too much else going on lately...church was great yesterday. The whole sacrament room was basically full. Most people i've seen...that's stll only about 75 people or so tho...which is apparently not as many as they used to have in the past...but things are going great. We also kinda put in a word at our correlation meeting that the missionaries are not getting fed much here in Ilinge...hopefully some things will start to change. At least on sunday...So i think because we kidna guilted Pres. Ndlelo into announcing that for us...and how we complained...him and his wife fed us yesterday. They're awesome. They tried to surprise us with it but we kinda already figured he'd feed us. Then we just talked last night forever about their missions and a bunch of other stuff. They were both missionaries to the Kampala Uganda mission a little over 3 years ago. That's how they met eachother...but yeah their super awesome.
That about does it for now...Thanks!
Mdala Devenney
Monday, October 12, 2009
Oct 12, 2009
Well we were kicked out of our last internet shop, as they wouldnt allow us more time, and i thought that i wouldnt get to send a big email out but fortunately we just decided to come to another shop...
The week was a pretty decent one...It has been rainy and good thunder and lightning storms quite often. Which is nice for a change. I actually enjoy it when it rains, then i get to bust out that ol rain jacket...
There hasnt been anything too spectacular that has happened this past week...but monday we played some soccer in the rain and got way muddy and it was awesome...although we almost had to run home from the field becuase we were too nasty to get into any cars...but we worked things out...We had zone workshops on Tuesday about how to make our planning better...basically. It was good...i guess. Sometimes i wish they could just keep things the same as they are already going well...but i guess new ideas and new things to try out dont hurt us...so we've been trying to implement some of the things that we learned at workshops into our weekly and daily planning sessions. It's been going alright so far...no real dramatic improvements.
I'm really enjoying my time here in Ilinge now that i've been here for a few weeks...it always takes time to learn where people stay and get comfortable with all the members and investigators and so on...but things are going really good lately. We've been working with some of the Auxilaries, like the Elders Quorem Pres in helping him in his home teaching. He took us to two families that we didnt even know, and one was a Part member family in whom we are now going to start teaching. It's really been a blessing. Even through the Family Mission Plan that we're still working on, it'll help us establish the kingdom, and then the baptisms will be coming. Silindokhule is still on for the 25th of October and is super stoked about it. That kid comes to everything and loves the church.
On saturday we had our first Book of Mormon class that we taught. It went alright. Nothing too exciting. We were unable to access the tv to watch something, but things worked out anyway. For the first class we had like 10 or 11 people come, which was fine as we hardly even announced it. Then after the class we had some fun and played some games. It was good to see everybody laughing and enjoying themselves.
Church was a rainy one, and i think that's what made less people come on sunday. Although we still had a pretty good turn out...I tried to pay attention but sometimes it's hard when i just dont understand...but my xhosa is improving i suppose, and i can pick out certain things to sorta know what they're talking about...
Yeah basically there's not too much to tell...I only have a couple more minutes so i'll just end it there. Hope everybody is doing great!
Elder Devenney
The week was a pretty decent one...It has been rainy and good thunder and lightning storms quite often. Which is nice for a change. I actually enjoy it when it rains, then i get to bust out that ol rain jacket...
There hasnt been anything too spectacular that has happened this past week...but monday we played some soccer in the rain and got way muddy and it was awesome...although we almost had to run home from the field becuase we were too nasty to get into any cars...but we worked things out...We had zone workshops on Tuesday about how to make our planning better...basically. It was good...i guess. Sometimes i wish they could just keep things the same as they are already going well...but i guess new ideas and new things to try out dont hurt us...so we've been trying to implement some of the things that we learned at workshops into our weekly and daily planning sessions. It's been going alright so far...no real dramatic improvements.
I'm really enjoying my time here in Ilinge now that i've been here for a few weeks...it always takes time to learn where people stay and get comfortable with all the members and investigators and so on...but things are going really good lately. We've been working with some of the Auxilaries, like the Elders Quorem Pres in helping him in his home teaching. He took us to two families that we didnt even know, and one was a Part member family in whom we are now going to start teaching. It's really been a blessing. Even through the Family Mission Plan that we're still working on, it'll help us establish the kingdom, and then the baptisms will be coming. Silindokhule is still on for the 25th of October and is super stoked about it. That kid comes to everything and loves the church.
On saturday we had our first Book of Mormon class that we taught. It went alright. Nothing too exciting. We were unable to access the tv to watch something, but things worked out anyway. For the first class we had like 10 or 11 people come, which was fine as we hardly even announced it. Then after the class we had some fun and played some games. It was good to see everybody laughing and enjoying themselves.
Church was a rainy one, and i think that's what made less people come on sunday. Although we still had a pretty good turn out...I tried to pay attention but sometimes it's hard when i just dont understand...but my xhosa is improving i suppose, and i can pick out certain things to sorta know what they're talking about...
Yeah basically there's not too much to tell...I only have a couple more minutes so i'll just end it there. Hope everybody is doing great!
Elder Devenney
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
sept 21, 2009
Molo Umjani!
For an update for the week...things are going pretty good. Ilinge is an interesting place. I was fortunate to finally see what a church service is like in Ilinge. Church started at 10 am...They meet in a couple of trailors but they're done up really nice. They have big grounds with a nice garden in the front, and the inside looks quite nice. The service was really good. As soon as the clock hit 10am then more people started coming in. We probably had maybe 60 or so people at church. I was quite surprised when only 10 were there at the beginning. But it was really good. I'm trying to learn the names which i find more difficult than anywhere else i've served, but it's alright. We have some really good leaders including the 1st Coun. in the Branch Presidency...he's a stud. Return Missionary, hilarious, and knows his stuff. His name is Pres. Ndlelo. All the rest are pretty cool too...idunno what to say.
Anyway...the week was pretty decent. Unfortunately our car is in the shop and still will be til the end of the week...so we've just walking around a lot in the area. It's a pretty good size area and so we spend a bunch of time walking. Especially if appointments fall through...then it gets really tough and tiring. But it's all good.
So Friday we had District Meeting and i decided to do it on Vision and Goal setting. We did an Area SWOT. It was actually pretty nice having to prepare for it. It all went really well.
Idunno if i told you...but when i was up in Namibia we ate some Giraffe and it was WAY good....just thought i'd let you know. O and also while i was in Nam i was drawing money out with my MSF card and i forgot about it for a minute or two and the ATM ended up eating my card. It was retarded. So i was without a MSF card for about 2 weeks...somehow i survived tho. They had to order me a new one and i just got it the other day. So finally today i was able to buy enough food for the week...i was a bit worried.
As for people we're teaching...we have one guy with a baptismal date sometime in october. I've only met with him once. We're teaching this 14 year old kid named Silindokhule who is awesome. Yo he's smart! He's been to church a lot and already wants to be a missionary. His sister is a member. He's like a 20 year old in a little boy's body. He's hoping to be baptized in the next month or so. We dont have a date for him yet tho.
Ilinge is good tho...as i think i might have said before...it's very rural. No street lights. Dirt roads. Cows walking around everywhere...it's a small township i guess. But it's fun none the less. People seem to be nice...i usually just let Elder Mkhize do all the talking since he can communicate...english is a big problem there. Probably more than half of church on sunday was in Xhosa...so i just read the Book of Mormon...tried to catch a few words and understand...but i couldnt that easily.
O i forgot to tell ya...Transfers were this week so the zone changed a bit...we lost i think 3 elders and 3 new ones came in. Elder Holt...my trainer from Canada...if you remember...is now a Zone Leader in Queenstown. It was a bit of a surprise but it's kinda cool. I'll have to go on an exchange with him sometime this transfer...so that'll be interesting since it's been about 9 months since i've seen him. He's doing well tho. He's almost done, he goes home in December.
Well that's about it. Elder Mkhize is a stud...we're doing really good. Hope you're all great!
Elder Devenney
For an update for the week...things are going pretty good. Ilinge is an interesting place. I was fortunate to finally see what a church service is like in Ilinge. Church started at 10 am...They meet in a couple of trailors but they're done up really nice. They have big grounds with a nice garden in the front, and the inside looks quite nice. The service was really good. As soon as the clock hit 10am then more people started coming in. We probably had maybe 60 or so people at church. I was quite surprised when only 10 were there at the beginning. But it was really good. I'm trying to learn the names which i find more difficult than anywhere else i've served, but it's alright. We have some really good leaders including the 1st Coun. in the Branch Presidency...he's a stud. Return Missionary, hilarious, and knows his stuff. His name is Pres. Ndlelo. All the rest are pretty cool too...idunno what to say.
Anyway...the week was pretty decent. Unfortunately our car is in the shop and still will be til the end of the week...so we've just walking around a lot in the area. It's a pretty good size area and so we spend a bunch of time walking. Especially if appointments fall through...then it gets really tough and tiring. But it's all good.
So Friday we had District Meeting and i decided to do it on Vision and Goal setting. We did an Area SWOT. It was actually pretty nice having to prepare for it. It all went really well.
Idunno if i told you...but when i was up in Namibia we ate some Giraffe and it was WAY good....just thought i'd let you know. O and also while i was in Nam i was drawing money out with my MSF card and i forgot about it for a minute or two and the ATM ended up eating my card. It was retarded. So i was without a MSF card for about 2 weeks...somehow i survived tho. They had to order me a new one and i just got it the other day. So finally today i was able to buy enough food for the week...i was a bit worried.
As for people we're teaching...we have one guy with a baptismal date sometime in october. I've only met with him once. We're teaching this 14 year old kid named Silindokhule who is awesome. Yo he's smart! He's been to church a lot and already wants to be a missionary. His sister is a member. He's like a 20 year old in a little boy's body. He's hoping to be baptized in the next month or so. We dont have a date for him yet tho.
Ilinge is good tho...as i think i might have said before...it's very rural. No street lights. Dirt roads. Cows walking around everywhere...it's a small township i guess. But it's fun none the less. People seem to be nice...i usually just let Elder Mkhize do all the talking since he can communicate...english is a big problem there. Probably more than half of church on sunday was in Xhosa...so i just read the Book of Mormon...tried to catch a few words and understand...but i couldnt that easily.
O i forgot to tell ya...Transfers were this week so the zone changed a bit...we lost i think 3 elders and 3 new ones came in. Elder Holt...my trainer from Canada...if you remember...is now a Zone Leader in Queenstown. It was a bit of a surprise but it's kinda cool. I'll have to go on an exchange with him sometime this transfer...so that'll be interesting since it's been about 9 months since i've seen him. He's doing well tho. He's almost done, he goes home in December.
Well that's about it. Elder Mkhize is a stud...we're doing really good. Hope you're all great!
Elder Devenney
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sept 13, 2009
So this week has been a bit interesting. As i was up in Namibia, after Elder Schamel and myself had finished doing weekly planning on thursday we got a call from President Probst. He told me that my visa was expiring for Nam on the 11th of September...friday. He said that it would be illegal for us to stay there without a renewed visa and that i could possibly go to jail.. So he told me that i would be receiving some transfer news a week early. It kinda came as a surprise although i did know my visa was expiring and i figured i'd be transfered anyway...but it was a bit sudden for me as it came very fast. I was told that i would be leaving the following morning within 24 hours and that i'd be heading down to the Eastern Cape of South Africa to a place called Ilinge. He also asked me if i'd like a bit more responsibility...i said yeah sure...so i'm a District leader now. That was good news i guess...
I said my goodbyes to those that i could in my area and in my last area...packed...had a late night finishing up stuff...then hopped on a plane heading for Cape Town. Elder Frager, Elder Hoffman, and myself were the only 3 that were leaving Namibia. It was a bit difficult as all our hard work was about to pay off in Nam...There were multiple baptisms coming up in the branch. Three this weekend, and 4 more about 3 weeks from now. So it was a bummer to go but either way things will be going great up there. We definitely left that branch better than it was 6 months ago.
So i got on the plane and like i said headed for Cape Town. I ended up going with the ZL's in Cape North and working in Langa for a day or so. Sleeping over at their boarding. The following morning the plan was that i'd go fly down to East London with President and Sister Probst, as they were going for stake conference. So that's what i did. I had a nice little chat on the plane with President and Sister Probst which was good. The flight was about 2 hours down. Then we got our rental car and drove outside of East London for about 45 minutes to the Mdantsane ward to have a bit of a conference. (this is saturday) So we got there in time for the Priesthood Leadership training meeting...and stayed later for the Adult Session. Elder Rendlun of the Area Seventy was there addressing and it was way good. After that it was about 7pm and i ended up grabbing all my stuff and loading it into the Queenstown ZL's car and driving back to Queenstown. That's about another 2 hour drive east. Got in about 9pm or so and stayed over at their boarding. Sunday we had Stake Conference but since Queenstown is so far away from EL the leaders did it twice. The one out in Queenstown was at about 2pm. So i eventually got with my companions...Elder Mkhize who will be my actual companion. He's from Durban. And Elder White who is about to leave, he's been in Ilinge for 6 months. I'm replacing him. But as for the next couple of days we'll be together in a 3some til transfer news comes. So that's my current state.
So if you're a bit confused...Queenstown is about as far east as we go in this mission...well south and east. The only thing farther is Mthatha. Ilinge, where i will be working, is about a 25 min drive outside of the main city...it's way rural. There are no street lights. And you drive for about 10 min on a dirt road to get out there. It's nuts. But it looks pretty cool. I was only in the area for a little bit yesterday so i cant really give a full account of what it's like. It's big time Xhosa speaking tho...So it looks like i'll drop all the Afrikaans i've learned and focus on trying to communicate in Xhosa. It might take a little bit. Apparently they struggle to find people that speak really good english in this area...but it'll be fine. We'll work it out. I've got some good ideas for this place...so it should be good.
Queenstown isn't too big of a city...maybe like Ogden or something. Definitely nothing like Cape Town. But we live in a pretty nice neighborhood. Probably the most quiet place i've lived so far. It's really nice. Well the boarding is a bit small...it's like one room with everything in it...and then a bathroom. But it should be fine. I'm a bit excited to start a new area...the only thing i'll struggle with is that language barrier. But my companion can speak Zulu so it's pretty close...he can communicate pretty well.
As of anything else....not too much is going on. Just going to try to enjoy this new opportunity and responsibilities...should be fine. It was a bummer to leave Nam, especially Elder Schamel...we were only together for about 4 and a half weeks. It was a way short transfer for the two of us.
Hope that gives you a bit of an update on where i am and what's going on here! Find me on a map!
Thanks,
Elder Devenney
I said my goodbyes to those that i could in my area and in my last area...packed...had a late night finishing up stuff...then hopped on a plane heading for Cape Town. Elder Frager, Elder Hoffman, and myself were the only 3 that were leaving Namibia. It was a bit difficult as all our hard work was about to pay off in Nam...There were multiple baptisms coming up in the branch. Three this weekend, and 4 more about 3 weeks from now. So it was a bummer to go but either way things will be going great up there. We definitely left that branch better than it was 6 months ago.
So i got on the plane and like i said headed for Cape Town. I ended up going with the ZL's in Cape North and working in Langa for a day or so. Sleeping over at their boarding. The following morning the plan was that i'd go fly down to East London with President and Sister Probst, as they were going for stake conference. So that's what i did. I had a nice little chat on the plane with President and Sister Probst which was good. The flight was about 2 hours down. Then we got our rental car and drove outside of East London for about 45 minutes to the Mdantsane ward to have a bit of a conference. (this is saturday) So we got there in time for the Priesthood Leadership training meeting...and stayed later for the Adult Session. Elder Rendlun of the Area Seventy was there addressing and it was way good. After that it was about 7pm and i ended up grabbing all my stuff and loading it into the Queenstown ZL's car and driving back to Queenstown. That's about another 2 hour drive east. Got in about 9pm or so and stayed over at their boarding. Sunday we had Stake Conference but since Queenstown is so far away from EL the leaders did it twice. The one out in Queenstown was at about 2pm. So i eventually got with my companions...Elder Mkhize who will be my actual companion. He's from Durban. And Elder White who is about to leave, he's been in Ilinge for 6 months. I'm replacing him. But as for the next couple of days we'll be together in a 3some til transfer news comes. So that's my current state.
So if you're a bit confused...Queenstown is about as far east as we go in this mission...well south and east. The only thing farther is Mthatha. Ilinge, where i will be working, is about a 25 min drive outside of the main city...it's way rural. There are no street lights. And you drive for about 10 min on a dirt road to get out there. It's nuts. But it looks pretty cool. I was only in the area for a little bit yesterday so i cant really give a full account of what it's like. It's big time Xhosa speaking tho...So it looks like i'll drop all the Afrikaans i've learned and focus on trying to communicate in Xhosa. It might take a little bit. Apparently they struggle to find people that speak really good english in this area...but it'll be fine. We'll work it out. I've got some good ideas for this place...so it should be good.
Queenstown isn't too big of a city...maybe like Ogden or something. Definitely nothing like Cape Town. But we live in a pretty nice neighborhood. Probably the most quiet place i've lived so far. It's really nice. Well the boarding is a bit small...it's like one room with everything in it...and then a bathroom. But it should be fine. I'm a bit excited to start a new area...the only thing i'll struggle with is that language barrier. But my companion can speak Zulu so it's pretty close...he can communicate pretty well.
As of anything else....not too much is going on. Just going to try to enjoy this new opportunity and responsibilities...should be fine. It was a bummer to leave Nam, especially Elder Schamel...we were only together for about 4 and a half weeks. It was a way short transfer for the two of us.
Hope that gives you a bit of an update on where i am and what's going on here! Find me on a map!
Thanks,
Elder Devenney
Monday, August 24, 2009
august 24th, 2009
Like i said last week, i got my new companion Elder Schamel and things are going fantastic. He's a way cool guy and we get along great. Companions have been a great blessing on mission so far. But yeah, he's chill, we laugh a lot, he's learning the area way fast which is great, he's a smart elder, so it's been nice having him. It's weird tho, the transfer is already half over and i've only been with him for a week. It feels so weird...
So the week was really good. We worked hard this week and have been seeing those people that we kinda neglected the past couple of weeks because of the mix up of working two areas. Basically we've just been working hard to see all the members and progressing investigators that we have so that Elder Schamel will get to know them quick.
We had Zone Conference and Workshops friday and saturday. It was really good. Zone con is always amazing and President Probst really helped us get motivated for the work. Although some things are changing in the mission...They're being more strict with rules and what not...it's quite sad. Music has been tightened...it's now only hymns and MOTAB. So that's a bit of a bummer. Basically that's the biggest one that you'd probably care about...anyway tho. Workshops was good, we addressed a concern that was perfect for us here in Namibia. Our Branch Mission Leader is kinda a joke, he's alright, but he's just really busy. In workshops we realized the importance of him and his role and how we can help him feel better about his calling. Because we meet with him once a week to discuss our areas and investigators and how the branch can help us...but sometimes we dont feel that information gets to the Branch President. But what we're going to do is try to introduce a Branch Mission Plan, so that us and the branch are all on the same page. It's kinda the branche's vision on what they want to happen in 6 months time, etc, and how us as missionaries can help to achieve that vision. It's a really great thing, that neither of the two branches have right now. But yeah that's going to be happening in the near future.
Another great thing that we all did on Saturday was the Mormon Helping Hands Project. We went to a place up in Katutura, north end of the city, to a place called Mt Sinai Center to help take out dead grass, move lots of gravel and dirt and bricks, and planted a way nice garden. We must have had about 150 people from both branches come out, plus non members that came and helped. It was a great activity. That took about 4 or so hours in the morning. From about 9am to 1pm. It was good also to have President and Sister Probst there for it. It was a nation wide thing...all across africa, everybody was doing it on the same day. So yeah, that was good.
Other things to report on are not too much...things are doing really good. We saw a lessactive family yesterday just because...and the mother really showed her love for us and our visit. Like it was an answer to her prayers. Then this morning we sent a text to her inviting her and the family to a family home evening tonight and she sent us back like a 4 page text telling us thank you so much and yadda yadda yadda. I wish someone did that more often. When people tell us that we're answers to their prayers, and exactly what they needed at that time of day, it really makes us feel good that we left our boarding in the morning and we did it accomplishing something and helping out at least one person. It made us feel special...
Thanks for all the love and support from everybody! I really do appreciate it! The week was good, nothing too much to say...
Played our zone soccer today in which my district creamed the other district...finally we won one! The whole 4 transfers i've been here it's my first time that we've won...so that made us feel good. We're thinking about getting a trophy..haha.
Alright, love you all!
Elder Devenney
So the week was really good. We worked hard this week and have been seeing those people that we kinda neglected the past couple of weeks because of the mix up of working two areas. Basically we've just been working hard to see all the members and progressing investigators that we have so that Elder Schamel will get to know them quick.
We had Zone Conference and Workshops friday and saturday. It was really good. Zone con is always amazing and President Probst really helped us get motivated for the work. Although some things are changing in the mission...They're being more strict with rules and what not...it's quite sad. Music has been tightened...it's now only hymns and MOTAB. So that's a bit of a bummer. Basically that's the biggest one that you'd probably care about...anyway tho. Workshops was good, we addressed a concern that was perfect for us here in Namibia. Our Branch Mission Leader is kinda a joke, he's alright, but he's just really busy. In workshops we realized the importance of him and his role and how we can help him feel better about his calling. Because we meet with him once a week to discuss our areas and investigators and how the branch can help us...but sometimes we dont feel that information gets to the Branch President. But what we're going to do is try to introduce a Branch Mission Plan, so that us and the branch are all on the same page. It's kinda the branche's vision on what they want to happen in 6 months time, etc, and how us as missionaries can help to achieve that vision. It's a really great thing, that neither of the two branches have right now. But yeah that's going to be happening in the near future.
Another great thing that we all did on Saturday was the Mormon Helping Hands Project. We went to a place up in Katutura, north end of the city, to a place called Mt Sinai Center to help take out dead grass, move lots of gravel and dirt and bricks, and planted a way nice garden. We must have had about 150 people from both branches come out, plus non members that came and helped. It was a great activity. That took about 4 or so hours in the morning. From about 9am to 1pm. It was good also to have President and Sister Probst there for it. It was a nation wide thing...all across africa, everybody was doing it on the same day. So yeah, that was good.
Other things to report on are not too much...things are doing really good. We saw a lessactive family yesterday just because...and the mother really showed her love for us and our visit. Like it was an answer to her prayers. Then this morning we sent a text to her inviting her and the family to a family home evening tonight and she sent us back like a 4 page text telling us thank you so much and yadda yadda yadda. I wish someone did that more often. When people tell us that we're answers to their prayers, and exactly what they needed at that time of day, it really makes us feel good that we left our boarding in the morning and we did it accomplishing something and helping out at least one person. It made us feel special...
Thanks for all the love and support from everybody! I really do appreciate it! The week was good, nothing too much to say...
Played our zone soccer today in which my district creamed the other district...finally we won one! The whole 4 transfers i've been here it's my first time that we've won...so that made us feel good. We're thinking about getting a trophy..haha.
Alright, love you all!
Elder Devenney
Monday, August 3, 2009
August 3, 2009
Hello Everybody...Hope the week has been great for you...
I'll start where i usually do...past monday...played some wicked volleyball in which i loved and brought me back to the good ol days...i might have already told you...but yes it was fantastic. I'm amazing...that's just about it...
The next couple of days flew by and which i dont really know what to say. Been seeing the usual people...nothing to report on there. But we do have 3 with a baptismal date...Sara, mona, and andrew. All related. Andrew is a joke tho and i'm pretty sure i dont even like it when he's there. He doesnt take things seriously...so we just kinda had to give him one anyway since his sisters have one...but if he's not going to be doing what he should etc etc i have no problem saying no to him. But we're happy for them. Aiming for the 22 August. Paul...We were stoked for him and had planned on 5 September for his Baptism. We talked to him...it's still something he wants...but he said what about October. We said that's fine. I think he's just a little nervous about his English and he just wants to be taught more...we dont want to push him. But he's so awesome! Others...just finding lots of new people to teach...I dont want to say anyone new becuase i wouldnt be surprised if we dropped them by next week...where's my faith...lacking i guess. I'll let you know more next week.
K so funny story...was on exchanges with Elder Tsiu...he's the district leader (this is friday) which was probably the worst day to do it on but he had no choice...So after District Meeting the whole zone went to Cattle Baron...a pretty nice steak place to eat...usually we like to go out to lunch after DM...K so we go and there's this other kid in the other District who's been having a hard time...not really enjoying mission right now...but anyway...it was a good day for him. He was having fun, talking a lot, just enjoying the day. Bad luck struck on his side and when we were eating he wasn't feeling too good...Well he ended up throwing up all his food...he didnt make it to the toilet. It was close to all of us and some other people...it was so brutal to watch. We felt pretty bad...So idunno if you felt that was funny or not...maybe it was just more funny when i wrote it in my journal...k i'll move on...
Things went alright the rest of the weekend. We had a great Saturday for some reason...idunno what it was...O and i had basically my first fight with anyother missionary. I wont name names...i guess...but it was just ridiculous. He's a stubburn missionary...doesn't really respect our time and doesnt really care about anything else but what's best for him...and we're under his wing right now...there's not much we can do. There was a bit of tension going on...but whatever i guess...
So anyway. Fragar and Ballard went to Cape Town. Ballard is finished with mission and is going back home to the states. They're down there for a ZL council. So on the good news...we have the car for the next couple of days. It makes things nice.
Transfers comes on Tuesday, of which i'm pretty sure Carver and i are staying together. We're hoping we do. He hasn't been with a companion for more than just 1 transfer before...so it's about time. And i'm pretty sure Pres knows how well we're getting along and making things progress in our area...
Alright well that's all...Things are pretty good for the most part! Hope everybody is healthy! I'm a bit sick...:(
Thanks!Elder Devenney
I'll start where i usually do...past monday...played some wicked volleyball in which i loved and brought me back to the good ol days...i might have already told you...but yes it was fantastic. I'm amazing...that's just about it...
The next couple of days flew by and which i dont really know what to say. Been seeing the usual people...nothing to report on there. But we do have 3 with a baptismal date...Sara, mona, and andrew. All related. Andrew is a joke tho and i'm pretty sure i dont even like it when he's there. He doesnt take things seriously...so we just kinda had to give him one anyway since his sisters have one...but if he's not going to be doing what he should etc etc i have no problem saying no to him. But we're happy for them. Aiming for the 22 August. Paul...We were stoked for him and had planned on 5 September for his Baptism. We talked to him...it's still something he wants...but he said what about October. We said that's fine. I think he's just a little nervous about his English and he just wants to be taught more...we dont want to push him. But he's so awesome! Others...just finding lots of new people to teach...I dont want to say anyone new becuase i wouldnt be surprised if we dropped them by next week...where's my faith...lacking i guess. I'll let you know more next week.
K so funny story...was on exchanges with Elder Tsiu...he's the district leader (this is friday) which was probably the worst day to do it on but he had no choice...So after District Meeting the whole zone went to Cattle Baron...a pretty nice steak place to eat...usually we like to go out to lunch after DM...K so we go and there's this other kid in the other District who's been having a hard time...not really enjoying mission right now...but anyway...it was a good day for him. He was having fun, talking a lot, just enjoying the day. Bad luck struck on his side and when we were eating he wasn't feeling too good...Well he ended up throwing up all his food...he didnt make it to the toilet. It was close to all of us and some other people...it was so brutal to watch. We felt pretty bad...So idunno if you felt that was funny or not...maybe it was just more funny when i wrote it in my journal...k i'll move on...
Things went alright the rest of the weekend. We had a great Saturday for some reason...idunno what it was...O and i had basically my first fight with anyother missionary. I wont name names...i guess...but it was just ridiculous. He's a stubburn missionary...doesn't really respect our time and doesnt really care about anything else but what's best for him...and we're under his wing right now...there's not much we can do. There was a bit of tension going on...but whatever i guess...
So anyway. Fragar and Ballard went to Cape Town. Ballard is finished with mission and is going back home to the states. They're down there for a ZL council. So on the good news...we have the car for the next couple of days. It makes things nice.
Transfers comes on Tuesday, of which i'm pretty sure Carver and i are staying together. We're hoping we do. He hasn't been with a companion for more than just 1 transfer before...so it's about time. And i'm pretty sure Pres knows how well we're getting along and making things progress in our area...
Alright well that's all...Things are pretty good for the most part! Hope everybody is healthy! I'm a bit sick...:(
Thanks!Elder Devenney
Monday, July 27, 2009
July 27, 2009
Hello!!!!
Well the week started out last monday...going to the Okapuka Game Reserve. It's about 30 Kms outside of Windhoek. It was pretty nice. We were in the big safari jeep thing...driving through bushes etc...it was pretty dope. We saw Giraffe, Rhino, Baboons, Springbok, Gemsbok, Waterbuffalo, and a few other things. No elephants tho...or lions or whatever...so that kinda sucked. But it's all good. The Rhinos were like 5 feet from us at one point. 3 of them. It was way cool. Got some way good photos and videos. So yeah that was my first game park experience and i'd say it was pretty sweet. Obviously could have been better...but anway...
As for the week it was kinda a rollercoaster. Those days walking around get so hot and tiring, especially if we dont have appointments. Saturday was such a hard day for us...we must have walked over 10 miles...we didnt have one appointment that day so we didnt know what to do....well we did...but it just didnt work out. So it was a LONG day. Other than that the week went pretty good. We've found a few new people to teach, even a solid family that we feel pretty good about. It was sad...two of our investigators that we saw this week...named Esmaralda and Lipertine...of which we just started teaching, came to church this sunday. It was great to see them there...the only bad thing was that they were there at 8:30...and no one else was even there of the branch. Except Bro. Katjotjo...cuz he's a faithful guy. Not even the presidency was there...they all rolled in 5 minutes before nine...it was ridiculous. Anyway...they had a good time and really enjoyed it. We taught the gospel principles class and it was excellent! Taught about prophets...had a nice vid...anyway. With the two girls we have great hopes for them.
Paul...we're considering and still praying one whether or not he should have a baptism date. We'd like him to. But we'll see i guess...We had a great lesson on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and drew it out perfect for him...it was very spiritual as Mario was still there and helping him understand it better. Mario shared a powerful testimony about his conversion and the choice he made to join the church. But the only bad thing is idunno if Paul understands about the Authority when it comes to being Baptized. So we're going to have to explain things better for him...i'll keep ya posted on that.
Friday night's class went great. We had speakers looking back at all the Christlike Attributes that we've been teaching for the past 4 months since the class started. Both members and investigators participated and gave talks. It went great. Then, as Carver and I are in charge of the games...we had a nice basketball shooting/question answer game that we had prepared. It was hilarious. O idunno if i told you but the Allens left, (the Senior Couple up here) they finished and just went back home this past week. We got a new Senior Couple, the Jones. They're so great! They attend everything and love to have fun! So we're pretty excited. Obviously they dont know a lot about Africa...but you have to start somewhere.
Sunday night's class was actually more of a seminar given by Ballard and Fragar. It was on Goal Setting. It was actually really good. I wish i was better at it...i started to when i was with Fragar...but havent done too much with it since. I know i need to start tho. So it was very inspiring. That'll be one thing i'll definitely be doing when i'm home...
As for everything else it's going pretty good...not too much else can i say. This is the last full week of the transfer...then news will come half way through next week. Carver and i are staying together tho...we know it! i would have it no other way...haha. Thank you! :)
Elder Devenney
Well the week started out last monday...going to the Okapuka Game Reserve. It's about 30 Kms outside of Windhoek. It was pretty nice. We were in the big safari jeep thing...driving through bushes etc...it was pretty dope. We saw Giraffe, Rhino, Baboons, Springbok, Gemsbok, Waterbuffalo, and a few other things. No elephants tho...or lions or whatever...so that kinda sucked. But it's all good. The Rhinos were like 5 feet from us at one point. 3 of them. It was way cool. Got some way good photos and videos. So yeah that was my first game park experience and i'd say it was pretty sweet. Obviously could have been better...but anway...
As for the week it was kinda a rollercoaster. Those days walking around get so hot and tiring, especially if we dont have appointments. Saturday was such a hard day for us...we must have walked over 10 miles...we didnt have one appointment that day so we didnt know what to do....well we did...but it just didnt work out. So it was a LONG day. Other than that the week went pretty good. We've found a few new people to teach, even a solid family that we feel pretty good about. It was sad...two of our investigators that we saw this week...named Esmaralda and Lipertine...of which we just started teaching, came to church this sunday. It was great to see them there...the only bad thing was that they were there at 8:30...and no one else was even there of the branch. Except Bro. Katjotjo...cuz he's a faithful guy. Not even the presidency was there...they all rolled in 5 minutes before nine...it was ridiculous. Anyway...they had a good time and really enjoyed it. We taught the gospel principles class and it was excellent! Taught about prophets...had a nice vid...anyway. With the two girls we have great hopes for them.
Paul...we're considering and still praying one whether or not he should have a baptism date. We'd like him to. But we'll see i guess...We had a great lesson on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and drew it out perfect for him...it was very spiritual as Mario was still there and helping him understand it better. Mario shared a powerful testimony about his conversion and the choice he made to join the church. But the only bad thing is idunno if Paul understands about the Authority when it comes to being Baptized. So we're going to have to explain things better for him...i'll keep ya posted on that.
Friday night's class went great. We had speakers looking back at all the Christlike Attributes that we've been teaching for the past 4 months since the class started. Both members and investigators participated and gave talks. It went great. Then, as Carver and I are in charge of the games...we had a nice basketball shooting/question answer game that we had prepared. It was hilarious. O idunno if i told you but the Allens left, (the Senior Couple up here) they finished and just went back home this past week. We got a new Senior Couple, the Jones. They're so great! They attend everything and love to have fun! So we're pretty excited. Obviously they dont know a lot about Africa...but you have to start somewhere.
Sunday night's class was actually more of a seminar given by Ballard and Fragar. It was on Goal Setting. It was actually really good. I wish i was better at it...i started to when i was with Fragar...but havent done too much with it since. I know i need to start tho. So it was very inspiring. That'll be one thing i'll definitely be doing when i'm home...
As for everything else it's going pretty good...not too much else can i say. This is the last full week of the transfer...then news will come half way through next week. Carver and i are staying together tho...we know it! i would have it no other way...haha. Thank you! :)
Elder Devenney
Monday, July 13, 2009
July 12, 2009
Well of course i wrote a message and it didnt send...so this one will be a lame one. Sorry...
We had Zone Conference on Friday...and it was great. President Probst shared some great personal stories that were exactly what we needed to hear. Both him and Sister Probst are amazing and i enjoy it more and more now when they come and do the Conference. They really got us excited and encouraged to do more work and work harder.
Saturday we had Workshops with the AP's. We were focusing on finding out concerns of people we teach. and how to go about doing it. It was nice and it helps out a lot. We did some role plays...it was lame...but we had to do it. That's about it.
Carver and i are doing great...like usual...as expected. O and what's amazing is all my soccer skills that i'm great at. I have about 6 or 7 solid tricks that i know that i'm pretty proud of. What's an advantage of walking around in our area is that we get to mingle with all the people there. There's always a group of kids around every corner playing soccer and we always mess around with them. They teach me some stuff but for the most part i can do a lot of the tricks they can...and they think it's amazing. Carver isnt too good...but he's learning...haha. we practice back at the flat. That's the fun times.
Other than that i dunno what else i want to say...the week went great...sorry...i'm too lazy to rewrite all i said before. Thanks!@
Elder Devenney
We had Zone Conference on Friday...and it was great. President Probst shared some great personal stories that were exactly what we needed to hear. Both him and Sister Probst are amazing and i enjoy it more and more now when they come and do the Conference. They really got us excited and encouraged to do more work and work harder.
Saturday we had Workshops with the AP's. We were focusing on finding out concerns of people we teach. and how to go about doing it. It was nice and it helps out a lot. We did some role plays...it was lame...but we had to do it. That's about it.
Carver and i are doing great...like usual...as expected. O and what's amazing is all my soccer skills that i'm great at. I have about 6 or 7 solid tricks that i know that i'm pretty proud of. What's an advantage of walking around in our area is that we get to mingle with all the people there. There's always a group of kids around every corner playing soccer and we always mess around with them. They teach me some stuff but for the most part i can do a lot of the tricks they can...and they think it's amazing. Carver isnt too good...but he's learning...haha. we practice back at the flat. That's the fun times.
Other than that i dunno what else i want to say...the week went great...sorry...i'm too lazy to rewrite all i said before. Thanks!@
Elder Devenney
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
June 22, 2009
Yeah so transfer news will come tomorrow. Just so you know. I'm still gonna be in Namibia...no worries there. But who knows what'll happen. My time with Fragar has been a blast...especially these past few weeks. It's going to be sad splitting...But it'll be good to see who my new companion will be...so anyway...
Lets talk about the great success of the week...first off...the highlight of the week was the Movie Night. There was great opposition tho...especially on the night of the event. So first off...we got the movie in the mail this past week...as you know it was the Emma Smith movie. We finished printing off tickets...spreading the word...etc etc. Well the night came...and we spent most of the day setting up, running errands...things like that. We bought a sheet...set it up in the chapel, rearranged the seats to be more theater like...got all the popcorn and the popcorn machine, organized all the sign up sheets. All that stuff ok...Anyway...the night comes and people start to show up. Lots and lots of people. I'll tell you first off that there were 112 people there...73 of which were nonmembers. That is a HUGE successs alone! We had everybody sign in Name, addresss, phone number, so we have everybody's contact information. And we'll do follow ups in the coming week. So anyway...another great thing is that we had Rovy singing and playing his guitar as people came in. It was awesome! K so here's the opposition...5 min before we were going to have everybody come in...one of the sound adapters broke, two missionaries then left to run half way across the city to the southern mall to buy the adapter to which they arrived only 10 min before it closed. They did get it tho. The banner that we had that said "Cinema" that went in the front hanging in the air didnt get finished til about 30 Min before everybody started arriving. And so we had to fetch that before people came. o and first off...the branch gave us a budget of N$600 for the night...earlier in the week we went to cash the check...and because it had a little line on it..they wouldnt accept it...it was stupid. So we didnt have the budget money at all for the night...but we worked things out anyway. K then also on the night...it just so happened to start to rain, and not only rain, but hail half way through the movie. We had to stop it for an intermission because the hail on the tin roof of the church was so loud that we couldnt even hear it through the huge speakers...It was quite a challenge. Then after it was all done...we spent about an hour after cleaning everything up. And i forgot to mention that we took shifts going to primary watching all 20 kids and trying to entertain them and control them, as well as keeping everything in order. So really...none of the missionaries watched the movie. We were busy the whole night. But good thing me and Fragar watched it back at our flat anyway...K so that was the night! and it was great!
Another highlight was on thursday...we went to Miriam Haita's place...as we were invited over to make cookies. So we went. To our surprise we also had a very nice dinner waiting for us. It was her, her son Peter, and daughter karen. (She is the one who wants to be a member, teaches herself everything at work, and who's husband is completely against her joining or even meeting with us, also the kids, but luckily he was out of town for a week so we got to see them a couple times this past week) it was nice. So We made peanut butter cookies, and coconut cookies. they were great! even tho we burned some...
We were so beat from the movie night that saturday we just had a chill relaxed day. Didnt do a whole lot...Uh...That's about it really. The week was a great one tho...way way busy with preparation...but it was good. Lots to do with Public Affairs as well. We're hoping to meet with the Prime Minister for the Parliament day on 9 July. We're still organizing invitations to Politicians etc...i'll keep ya posted. That's all! Thanks!
Elder Devenney
Lets talk about the great success of the week...first off...the highlight of the week was the Movie Night. There was great opposition tho...especially on the night of the event. So first off...we got the movie in the mail this past week...as you know it was the Emma Smith movie. We finished printing off tickets...spreading the word...etc etc. Well the night came...and we spent most of the day setting up, running errands...things like that. We bought a sheet...set it up in the chapel, rearranged the seats to be more theater like...got all the popcorn and the popcorn machine, organized all the sign up sheets. All that stuff ok...Anyway...the night comes and people start to show up. Lots and lots of people. I'll tell you first off that there were 112 people there...73 of which were nonmembers. That is a HUGE successs alone! We had everybody sign in Name, addresss, phone number, so we have everybody's contact information. And we'll do follow ups in the coming week. So anyway...another great thing is that we had Rovy singing and playing his guitar as people came in. It was awesome! K so here's the opposition...5 min before we were going to have everybody come in...one of the sound adapters broke, two missionaries then left to run half way across the city to the southern mall to buy the adapter to which they arrived only 10 min before it closed. They did get it tho. The banner that we had that said "Cinema" that went in the front hanging in the air didnt get finished til about 30 Min before everybody started arriving. And so we had to fetch that before people came. o and first off...the branch gave us a budget of N$600 for the night...earlier in the week we went to cash the check...and because it had a little line on it..they wouldnt accept it...it was stupid. So we didnt have the budget money at all for the night...but we worked things out anyway. K then also on the night...it just so happened to start to rain, and not only rain, but hail half way through the movie. We had to stop it for an intermission because the hail on the tin roof of the church was so loud that we couldnt even hear it through the huge speakers...It was quite a challenge. Then after it was all done...we spent about an hour after cleaning everything up. And i forgot to mention that we took shifts going to primary watching all 20 kids and trying to entertain them and control them, as well as keeping everything in order. So really...none of the missionaries watched the movie. We were busy the whole night. But good thing me and Fragar watched it back at our flat anyway...K so that was the night! and it was great!
Another highlight was on thursday...we went to Miriam Haita's place...as we were invited over to make cookies. So we went. To our surprise we also had a very nice dinner waiting for us. It was her, her son Peter, and daughter karen. (She is the one who wants to be a member, teaches herself everything at work, and who's husband is completely against her joining or even meeting with us, also the kids, but luckily he was out of town for a week so we got to see them a couple times this past week) it was nice. So We made peanut butter cookies, and coconut cookies. they were great! even tho we burned some...
We were so beat from the movie night that saturday we just had a chill relaxed day. Didnt do a whole lot...Uh...That's about it really. The week was a great one tho...way way busy with preparation...but it was good. Lots to do with Public Affairs as well. We're hoping to meet with the Prime Minister for the Parliament day on 9 July. We're still organizing invitations to Politicians etc...i'll keep ya posted. That's all! Thanks!
Elder Devenney
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
June 8, 2009
Wow it's actually a bit chilly today...
Got lots of good stuff to report on this past week...
First off...things are really in motion right now. We got lots of good stuff happening in the coming weeks. One of which is the Movie Night that'll be on the 19th of June. We've organized it all and we're hoping to watch the Emma Smith movie. We hope! The word is in...but they just have to send it up from Cape Town. We've been busy printing tickets...flyers...etc etc. We handed out tickets to everybody at church yesterday...one for them, and one for a friend. We've been spreading the word even here at our famous internet shop. We invite all. It should be one of the biggest activities the branch has done...maybe ever. We're going to make banners...organize food...all that good stuff. We're trying to involve as many people as possible. This is really going to be a good opportunity for us for finding. We will have a system of everyone that comes will put all their information on a paper, so we can contact them in the coming weeks. It's really a big missionary effort on our part to find more investigators in a way that's fun and just outside the normal church, ya know.Other upcoming events are Public Affairs...We've organized about 30 YSA to go to Parliament at the first week of July. We're going to have 2 training sessions...because we dont want people to look like fools in front of a bunch of politicians ya know. Anyway...that's up and coming in the next few weeks...so we'll be pretty busy with all of that.
As for people we're teaching and stuff that happened this past week...it goes as follows...I'll start with Rovy. Of course we met with him a couple times this past week...everything went great. But the highlight was that on thursday night we decided to go see him actually perform. He's in a band with him and his younger brothers...they're so sick! it was a place called Zenzo and it was an outdoor place where food was served and they just played...it was chill. We ate, and just listened to him perform. He even dedicated a song to us...josh groben. haha. It was tight. He plays guitar and lead vocals. But yeah they played a wide variety from...eagles, enrique englasies(?), some new stuff, Hotel California, a bunch of other stuff too, some spanish songs. Anyway...it was tight. It was the first time i had to talk over music when i was talking to someone. Then we got pics with the group and just chatted with him for a while. Then Friday came around and he came to the Scripture study class. And saturday we saw him early in the morning, just read from the BOM, then later that day we went out to lunch together in town. Went to a nice outdoor place. Then of course he came to church. So yeah...Rovy is cool. It's just tough still cuz he's not planning on marriage for a while...and he's living with that older lady. But it's all good...just good to be his friend.
Fausta...we've invited her to be baptized. We've given her two options...either the 4th of July, or the 18th. She hasn't decided yet. But she really likes the church...and she comes every week. She's makin lots of friends too so it's good.
Last is Miriam. Met with her and taught her at the Heymans. Her and her daughter. Went really good. She's got a hard life with her husband not giving her much of support...and she so wants to be a member...it's kind of sad.
We met with this Shalihu family. I think i might have said something about them before...they have a daughter who's 14 and her name is Ana. She loves us coming. Just watched Finding Faith in Christ DVD..but it went really well. They've been struggling right now and are just having problems with the family...finding workers...and Ana and her gymnastics. Ana travels all the time to SA and Zim and all over for her gymnastics, and wins a lot. But they're looking for a sponser for her. If i wasn't a missionary we would help her out so much more, anyone that could just listen to her talk would just melt and couldn't deny her a sponser. The family just has to pay for all the travels and competitions out of their own pocket...and they're struggling to do it. So yeah...we're trying to help them out. We've been sending them spiritual scripture texts each night too...to help them out. But yeah the big surprise came at the end when we were just about to leave...Ana runs into her room and then comes out with $N40 dollars to give to us. We were like "no way!" you need that more than us. But she insisted...she said it was prayer money. I think she just really wanted to give it to us and she just thinks we should get paid for it. Anyway...we're hoping to take that 40 bucks and double it and buy her a birthday present cuz she had a birthday like a week ago. Should be a good surprise.
We readjusted our Saturday schedule this week and got out in the area at 830 in the morning. We got to see a lot more people...cuz not everybody was drunk...as they usually can be at night. Then we just did our studies mid day..and had normal schedule at night. We're thinking of making it a district wide thing...which will help everybody out a lot.
Well that's about it basically...things are going really well. Just staying busy...Yup yup...hopefully we dont run out of steam these next couple of weeks...Hope all is well! thanks!
Elder Devenney
Got lots of good stuff to report on this past week...
First off...things are really in motion right now. We got lots of good stuff happening in the coming weeks. One of which is the Movie Night that'll be on the 19th of June. We've organized it all and we're hoping to watch the Emma Smith movie. We hope! The word is in...but they just have to send it up from Cape Town. We've been busy printing tickets...flyers...etc etc. We handed out tickets to everybody at church yesterday...one for them, and one for a friend. We've been spreading the word even here at our famous internet shop. We invite all. It should be one of the biggest activities the branch has done...maybe ever. We're going to make banners...organize food...all that good stuff. We're trying to involve as many people as possible. This is really going to be a good opportunity for us for finding. We will have a system of everyone that comes will put all their information on a paper, so we can contact them in the coming weeks. It's really a big missionary effort on our part to find more investigators in a way that's fun and just outside the normal church, ya know.Other upcoming events are Public Affairs...We've organized about 30 YSA to go to Parliament at the first week of July. We're going to have 2 training sessions...because we dont want people to look like fools in front of a bunch of politicians ya know. Anyway...that's up and coming in the next few weeks...so we'll be pretty busy with all of that.
As for people we're teaching and stuff that happened this past week...it goes as follows...I'll start with Rovy. Of course we met with him a couple times this past week...everything went great. But the highlight was that on thursday night we decided to go see him actually perform. He's in a band with him and his younger brothers...they're so sick! it was a place called Zenzo and it was an outdoor place where food was served and they just played...it was chill. We ate, and just listened to him perform. He even dedicated a song to us...josh groben. haha. It was tight. He plays guitar and lead vocals. But yeah they played a wide variety from...eagles, enrique englasies(?), some new stuff, Hotel California, a bunch of other stuff too, some spanish songs. Anyway...it was tight. It was the first time i had to talk over music when i was talking to someone. Then we got pics with the group and just chatted with him for a while. Then Friday came around and he came to the Scripture study class. And saturday we saw him early in the morning, just read from the BOM, then later that day we went out to lunch together in town. Went to a nice outdoor place. Then of course he came to church. So yeah...Rovy is cool. It's just tough still cuz he's not planning on marriage for a while...and he's living with that older lady. But it's all good...just good to be his friend.
Fausta...we've invited her to be baptized. We've given her two options...either the 4th of July, or the 18th. She hasn't decided yet. But she really likes the church...and she comes every week. She's makin lots of friends too so it's good.
Last is Miriam. Met with her and taught her at the Heymans. Her and her daughter. Went really good. She's got a hard life with her husband not giving her much of support...and she so wants to be a member...it's kind of sad.
We met with this Shalihu family. I think i might have said something about them before...they have a daughter who's 14 and her name is Ana. She loves us coming. Just watched Finding Faith in Christ DVD..but it went really well. They've been struggling right now and are just having problems with the family...finding workers...and Ana and her gymnastics. Ana travels all the time to SA and Zim and all over for her gymnastics, and wins a lot. But they're looking for a sponser for her. If i wasn't a missionary we would help her out so much more, anyone that could just listen to her talk would just melt and couldn't deny her a sponser. The family just has to pay for all the travels and competitions out of their own pocket...and they're struggling to do it. So yeah...we're trying to help them out. We've been sending them spiritual scripture texts each night too...to help them out. But yeah the big surprise came at the end when we were just about to leave...Ana runs into her room and then comes out with $N40 dollars to give to us. We were like "no way!" you need that more than us. But she insisted...she said it was prayer money. I think she just really wanted to give it to us and she just thinks we should get paid for it. Anyway...we're hoping to take that 40 bucks and double it and buy her a birthday present cuz she had a birthday like a week ago. Should be a good surprise.
We readjusted our Saturday schedule this week and got out in the area at 830 in the morning. We got to see a lot more people...cuz not everybody was drunk...as they usually can be at night. Then we just did our studies mid day..and had normal schedule at night. We're thinking of making it a district wide thing...which will help everybody out a lot.
Well that's about it basically...things are going really well. Just staying busy...Yup yup...hopefully we dont run out of steam these next couple of weeks...Hope all is well! thanks!
Elder Devenney
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Two posts in one week because Im( amber) the slacker!
Well first off...this weekend has been another holiday weekend here in Namibia. I swear they have more holidays here than anywhere else i know. Friday was a holiday...and it was actually pretty sweet...It was "Ascension Day" and it was a Nation wide holiday. It's apparently the day that Christ ascended back into Heaven after he was resurrected. Cool eh? The other one was African Union Day...which was yesterday. So that's why i'm emailing now. All the shops and everything close on holidays here...you can hardly find anybody out doing anything...it's weird. No one on the street or anything...definitely different than holidays back at home.
So the week has been really good. Gilbert...that one guy i talked about..has become the surprise of the transfer for sure. We saw him two or three times last week, he came to the scripture study class on friday, and the missionary training class on Sunday. and he came to church. And we paired him up with Bro Katjotjo (YM pres) becuase they live near to eachother in our area so that the two of them could do home teaching. And guess what ,they did it the next day. We'll have 100% HT here pretty soon! haha. hopefully. But yeah and we're seeing him later today and he's going to come out to do missionary work with us...good stuff.
Lets see...the main people that we're still seeing is a mid twenties girl named Fausta...i migh thave mentioned. We keep talking about baptism and encouraging her to consider a date but she says she's still thinking about it. She's come to church for the past month i think. She's good. I think it's just family problems...just kinda scared to commit and to tel lthe family about it. So yeah...
The other is still Rovy...we have high hopes for him...he comes to church alot and it was his Bday on sunday. He's so chiill. But he's living with this older lady...and i dont think marriage is going to come as soon as we hope...but we still see him twice a week...just hope we dont run out of things to teach him...
Went on two exchanges this week...one wish Elder Carver from South Weber...so right down the road from me. He's pretty cool...we've already predicted that we're going to be companions next transfer...so we'll see. He's pretty new still...but it went good. Had a way fun time.
The other i went on was with Elder Ballard...he's only got one more transfer then he's goin home...He's chill too. Both these guys we could have hung out back at home just like any day...Elder Ballard is a way cool guy, he's the ZL out here...and we just enjoyed the time. that was on friday. O and he's from Washington.
Things are so much different ,for the better now, than it was when we first got here. We've really made a difference in the branch by bringing more excitement to it...We have Elders Quorem back up and looking a bit better...most sundays everybody would leave and there would be 10 people in EQ, 6 of which are missionaries. So we've started to change that to make it more how it should be...m ore exciting for people to come to, instead of just leaving.
Classes are still going strong and soo good. Average of about 25 people now at Friday night class, and about 18 at Sunday night class...It's going great. There's not too much else going on...just the usual. Played some good soccer yesterday with the Zone...6 on 6. We lost barely...well they were up 4-0 first half...then we came back...with 3 goals by me i must say....to end it 6-4...but we still lost...it was fun. Well hope all is well! thanks for everything!
Elder Devenney
*Funny story...My companion about two weeks ago was approached by a guy off the street selling a watch and a couple other things. My comp looks at the watch, likes it, asks how much the guy says 150. My comp thinks he's smart and says 100. The guy agrees. So he thinks he got a great deal on this watch right...a couple days later it stops working. He shakes it, it starts up again, but later on that day it stops working again. Basically he bought a broken watch. i just laughed. So this week we went to China Town and i find the same watch being sold, different color, (i got white) for 30 bucks. ha! take that Fragar! and mine still works to this day. haha. ( that's like 3 US dollars) but yeah it was just funny. Then i got a soccer ball...that's already lopsided...and we got 3 matching basketball jersies for our game we had against the Angolans...which i will now explain. Me, Fragar, and Louder, played bball on Saturday against some Angolans. There's about 25 or 30 Angolans that play at the chapel on saturday mornings. We decided to go and play. So we got our jersies...lookin fresh...and played. We were in for a hard game...They're rough out there. Some of those guys dont play with mercy. Anyway...we won our first game...lost our second, and lost our third. It's 3 on 3 and first to 5. then we just rotate out. Needless to say they foul a lot and make retarded calls. but it was still fun. I thought i was going to die...i hadnt played that hard of a bball game in a long time...but it's all good.
On another note...the week was good. Two great blessings came just yesterday..among the many we receive. But two stood out to me yesterday at church...one was Miriam. We hadnt seen her in about a month but she came to church. She had been gone for a while. She was the one that was so ready for everything, so accepting, but then her husband is a jerk and doesn't want us in the home. Anyway, she came to church by herself yesterday, loved it, then came back for our Missionary training class that night. I talked to her after and she basically said that she doesn't like being called an investigator, she knows everything, and she accepts and loves the church. She said that she's already made up her mind that she's going to join the church and be a member. She's searched for many years, going to church to church, but she loves and knows there's something different and true about this one. It was so good to hear! seriously i couldnt say anything. With little work on our part, she does her own research at work, coming to church, and has even made up her mind she wants to be a member. That's so awesome! Plus she'd be so good for this branch here...next Relief Society Pres for sure! So yeah that was a blessing...
The other came through Gilbert. Gilbert was that one guy that chased us down the street about a month ago asking for us to visit with him. We taught him once, then were never able to see him again becuase of his schedule at work etc. So basically we havent seen him for a month. We thought he dropped us. Anyway, we gave him a call yesterday, but no answer. To our surprise he came to church. I hardly recognized him cuz it had been so long. Well he stayed for the whole thing and i sat with him during Priesthood and after we started talking. Come to find out that he was actually baptized about 2 years ago and is already a member. It was some country where they have a small branch..not here in Namibia. Cant remember what it was...o well. So yeah and he also said he was given the Priesthood too! i was like no way! Another less active priesthood holder that's come back to church that lives in our area! that's so great! So Gilbert went from being a dropped investigator, to a Priesthood holding member, instantly. That cut out about 6 months of work on our part! haha! It was great to hear. that's another additive to our FHE's and HT assignments...etc. Plus he came to the class last night and said he'll be coming on fridays also and wants to come out with us to do missionary work! yay! haha.
Still teaching some great guys...future leaders of the church here i'm pretty sure. Others are slow to progress...like their drinking and partying...but it'll soon all be over for that. Alright well the week went great! No other big news to report on...hope you guys are all doing well!
Elder Devenney
So the week has been really good. Gilbert...that one guy i talked about..has become the surprise of the transfer for sure. We saw him two or three times last week, he came to the scripture study class on friday, and the missionary training class on Sunday. and he came to church. And we paired him up with Bro Katjotjo (YM pres) becuase they live near to eachother in our area so that the two of them could do home teaching. And guess what ,they did it the next day. We'll have 100% HT here pretty soon! haha. hopefully. But yeah and we're seeing him later today and he's going to come out to do missionary work with us...good stuff.
Lets see...the main people that we're still seeing is a mid twenties girl named Fausta...i migh thave mentioned. We keep talking about baptism and encouraging her to consider a date but she says she's still thinking about it. She's come to church for the past month i think. She's good. I think it's just family problems...just kinda scared to commit and to tel lthe family about it. So yeah...
The other is still Rovy...we have high hopes for him...he comes to church alot and it was his Bday on sunday. He's so chiill. But he's living with this older lady...and i dont think marriage is going to come as soon as we hope...but we still see him twice a week...just hope we dont run out of things to teach him...
Went on two exchanges this week...one wish Elder Carver from South Weber...so right down the road from me. He's pretty cool...we've already predicted that we're going to be companions next transfer...so we'll see. He's pretty new still...but it went good. Had a way fun time.
The other i went on was with Elder Ballard...he's only got one more transfer then he's goin home...He's chill too. Both these guys we could have hung out back at home just like any day...Elder Ballard is a way cool guy, he's the ZL out here...and we just enjoyed the time. that was on friday. O and he's from Washington.
Things are so much different ,for the better now, than it was when we first got here. We've really made a difference in the branch by bringing more excitement to it...We have Elders Quorem back up and looking a bit better...most sundays everybody would leave and there would be 10 people in EQ, 6 of which are missionaries. So we've started to change that to make it more how it should be...m ore exciting for people to come to, instead of just leaving.
Classes are still going strong and soo good. Average of about 25 people now at Friday night class, and about 18 at Sunday night class...It's going great. There's not too much else going on...just the usual. Played some good soccer yesterday with the Zone...6 on 6. We lost barely...well they were up 4-0 first half...then we came back...with 3 goals by me i must say....to end it 6-4...but we still lost...it was fun. Well hope all is well! thanks for everything!
Elder Devenney
*Funny story...My companion about two weeks ago was approached by a guy off the street selling a watch and a couple other things. My comp looks at the watch, likes it, asks how much the guy says 150. My comp thinks he's smart and says 100. The guy agrees. So he thinks he got a great deal on this watch right...a couple days later it stops working. He shakes it, it starts up again, but later on that day it stops working again. Basically he bought a broken watch. i just laughed. So this week we went to China Town and i find the same watch being sold, different color, (i got white) for 30 bucks. ha! take that Fragar! and mine still works to this day. haha. ( that's like 3 US dollars) but yeah it was just funny. Then i got a soccer ball...that's already lopsided...and we got 3 matching basketball jersies for our game we had against the Angolans...which i will now explain. Me, Fragar, and Louder, played bball on Saturday against some Angolans. There's about 25 or 30 Angolans that play at the chapel on saturday mornings. We decided to go and play. So we got our jersies...lookin fresh...and played. We were in for a hard game...They're rough out there. Some of those guys dont play with mercy. Anyway...we won our first game...lost our second, and lost our third. It's 3 on 3 and first to 5. then we just rotate out. Needless to say they foul a lot and make retarded calls. but it was still fun. I thought i was going to die...i hadnt played that hard of a bball game in a long time...but it's all good.
On another note...the week was good. Two great blessings came just yesterday..among the many we receive. But two stood out to me yesterday at church...one was Miriam. We hadnt seen her in about a month but she came to church. She had been gone for a while. She was the one that was so ready for everything, so accepting, but then her husband is a jerk and doesn't want us in the home. Anyway, she came to church by herself yesterday, loved it, then came back for our Missionary training class that night. I talked to her after and she basically said that she doesn't like being called an investigator, she knows everything, and she accepts and loves the church. She said that she's already made up her mind that she's going to join the church and be a member. She's searched for many years, going to church to church, but she loves and knows there's something different and true about this one. It was so good to hear! seriously i couldnt say anything. With little work on our part, she does her own research at work, coming to church, and has even made up her mind she wants to be a member. That's so awesome! Plus she'd be so good for this branch here...next Relief Society Pres for sure! So yeah that was a blessing...
The other came through Gilbert. Gilbert was that one guy that chased us down the street about a month ago asking for us to visit with him. We taught him once, then were never able to see him again becuase of his schedule at work etc. So basically we havent seen him for a month. We thought he dropped us. Anyway, we gave him a call yesterday, but no answer. To our surprise he came to church. I hardly recognized him cuz it had been so long. Well he stayed for the whole thing and i sat with him during Priesthood and after we started talking. Come to find out that he was actually baptized about 2 years ago and is already a member. It was some country where they have a small branch..not here in Namibia. Cant remember what it was...o well. So yeah and he also said he was given the Priesthood too! i was like no way! Another less active priesthood holder that's come back to church that lives in our area! that's so great! So Gilbert went from being a dropped investigator, to a Priesthood holding member, instantly. That cut out about 6 months of work on our part! haha! It was great to hear. that's another additive to our FHE's and HT assignments...etc. Plus he came to the class last night and said he'll be coming on fridays also and wants to come out with us to do missionary work! yay! haha.
Still teaching some great guys...future leaders of the church here i'm pretty sure. Others are slow to progress...like their drinking and partying...but it'll soon all be over for that. Alright well the week went great! No other big news to report on...hope you guys are all doing well!
Elder Devenney
Friday, May 1, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
April 26, 2009
Well in the past week so much has happened...it was amazing to see all the new and changing things going on here. O and what was nice about this morning is we got out and played some soccer as a Zone this morning...then had a nice braai...so we're emailing a bit later than usual. It was so nice to get up and do something in the morning, i hope we do it more often this way.
Well the week started out really good. All throughout the week we've been going on splits. I believe we tried for 3 times this week, but it only happened twice. On these nights i go with one Priesthood holder, while my comp goes with another. How it's been going is we'll drop those two off in an area..and we'll coordinate it so our appointments are all pretty close. Those two will walk the area for the evening while me and my fellowshipper go and drive to our appointments. We get twice as much man hours in during the day and we're able to see twice as many people. Overall in the week we made around 10-15 extra hours of missionary work just thanks to the splits.
This week was busy for me...Wednesday i went on exchanges with Elder Mutiyetsi (from Kenya) in his area. They're in a walking area. So after 7 months i had my first experience walking on mission! Can you believe it! No wonder i'm so out of shape...all the riding around in the car. But it was so funny cuz my first day walking...it just so happened to rain. This week we were blessed with off and on rain for 2 days. Which is quite rare cuz the rainy season was already over...and the winter here is just cooler...and cold at night...but no rain. So yeah we walked around and rain while the lightning was going and we were getting soaked...it was fun. Elder Mutiyetsi wasn't enjoying it tho..but i was! haha. So we had a good exchange...nothing too great happened...then on thursday we had a normal day. Saw lots of people...including Rovy that one "cool guy" i was talking about earlier. Plays in a band...yeah. He asks so many good questions it's hard to even prepare for that guy. But he's way chill. From Angola. But anyway...then we typed up the newsletter...you'll see it soon...then went on a split and found a great family. Two of the girls we found at this family came to church too...so it was great. Then I went on another exchange that night and all of Friday with Elder Christensen to their area...Worked a long day...pretty busy. So basically i was just moving around a lot this week. But it was good to go to some different areas and meet some new people...even if it was just for a day.
The classes we're starting...and have been starting are the one on Fridays where we teach it and it's on Christlike Attributes..i'm sure i told you. Our first week it was just 4 people there. This last week we had 18. We only expect it to continue to grow. We had lots of members and investigators. Everyone's job is to bring a friend...we see good things coming from the class. Saturdays we have institute..that we attend sometimes. We had Bro. Duncan Mcmillan from Cape Town up with us this weekend. He's in charge of all the CES stuff for Institute and Sem and stuff. So he taught an amazing lesson so we HAD to go visit. Then we took his son Joseph on a split with us that night...it turned out to be a terrible night cuz all 3 of our appointments dropped and we couldnt find a place to go all night...but it was still fun. We just followed up on some people. Joseph is just about to turn 19 and working on his papers. He's excited. So yeah after that we just dropped him off back at some hotel place...talked to Duncan about our ideas...and headed back. This week has been so crazy...we've hardly taken full lunch breaks and have never gotten home on time cuz we're running around all the time...droppin people off or appointments..something always happens. But good things are coming from it. Then Sunday was church and i swear it was Missionary day at church...Elder Fragar was asked to give a talk right before Sacrament...Then Gospel Principles we taught...but that's usual...every sunday we teach that...then it just so happened that they decided to combine Priesthood and RS at the end and asked the missionaries to talk about member missionary work. So basically we were busy at church to say the least. It was good tho. O yes another class we're about to start is a mission training class on Sundays. So we'll have classes fri, sat, and sun, all in attempts for people to get more excited and get investigators out. That one will start next sunday.
We go visit Bro Pavano, the Pavano family is solid members. They have 5 daughters i think...just a great family. Anyway, Bro Pavano is like 69 and doesn't come to church. But every sunday we go to his house to give him the Sacrament...it's been a blessing for us to do it too. It's really helped me realize the importance of it and what a blessing it is to give it to someone who has such a strong desire to have it. Then it's always nice to go to that home cuz every time we're there they feed us...yup it's nice:) Alright well things are good...nothing else to say. Hope you all are great! Talk to ya soon!
Elder Devenney
Well the week started out really good. All throughout the week we've been going on splits. I believe we tried for 3 times this week, but it only happened twice. On these nights i go with one Priesthood holder, while my comp goes with another. How it's been going is we'll drop those two off in an area..and we'll coordinate it so our appointments are all pretty close. Those two will walk the area for the evening while me and my fellowshipper go and drive to our appointments. We get twice as much man hours in during the day and we're able to see twice as many people. Overall in the week we made around 10-15 extra hours of missionary work just thanks to the splits.
This week was busy for me...Wednesday i went on exchanges with Elder Mutiyetsi (from Kenya) in his area. They're in a walking area. So after 7 months i had my first experience walking on mission! Can you believe it! No wonder i'm so out of shape...all the riding around in the car. But it was so funny cuz my first day walking...it just so happened to rain. This week we were blessed with off and on rain for 2 days. Which is quite rare cuz the rainy season was already over...and the winter here is just cooler...and cold at night...but no rain. So yeah we walked around and rain while the lightning was going and we were getting soaked...it was fun. Elder Mutiyetsi wasn't enjoying it tho..but i was! haha. So we had a good exchange...nothing too great happened...then on thursday we had a normal day. Saw lots of people...including Rovy that one "cool guy" i was talking about earlier. Plays in a band...yeah. He asks so many good questions it's hard to even prepare for that guy. But he's way chill. From Angola. But anyway...then we typed up the newsletter...you'll see it soon...then went on a split and found a great family. Two of the girls we found at this family came to church too...so it was great. Then I went on another exchange that night and all of Friday with Elder Christensen to their area...Worked a long day...pretty busy. So basically i was just moving around a lot this week. But it was good to go to some different areas and meet some new people...even if it was just for a day.
The classes we're starting...and have been starting are the one on Fridays where we teach it and it's on Christlike Attributes..i'm sure i told you. Our first week it was just 4 people there. This last week we had 18. We only expect it to continue to grow. We had lots of members and investigators. Everyone's job is to bring a friend...we see good things coming from the class. Saturdays we have institute..that we attend sometimes. We had Bro. Duncan Mcmillan from Cape Town up with us this weekend. He's in charge of all the CES stuff for Institute and Sem and stuff. So he taught an amazing lesson so we HAD to go visit. Then we took his son Joseph on a split with us that night...it turned out to be a terrible night cuz all 3 of our appointments dropped and we couldnt find a place to go all night...but it was still fun. We just followed up on some people. Joseph is just about to turn 19 and working on his papers. He's excited. So yeah after that we just dropped him off back at some hotel place...talked to Duncan about our ideas...and headed back. This week has been so crazy...we've hardly taken full lunch breaks and have never gotten home on time cuz we're running around all the time...droppin people off or appointments..something always happens. But good things are coming from it. Then Sunday was church and i swear it was Missionary day at church...Elder Fragar was asked to give a talk right before Sacrament...Then Gospel Principles we taught...but that's usual...every sunday we teach that...then it just so happened that they decided to combine Priesthood and RS at the end and asked the missionaries to talk about member missionary work. So basically we were busy at church to say the least. It was good tho. O yes another class we're about to start is a mission training class on Sundays. So we'll have classes fri, sat, and sun, all in attempts for people to get more excited and get investigators out. That one will start next sunday.
We go visit Bro Pavano, the Pavano family is solid members. They have 5 daughters i think...just a great family. Anyway, Bro Pavano is like 69 and doesn't come to church. But every sunday we go to his house to give him the Sacrament...it's been a blessing for us to do it too. It's really helped me realize the importance of it and what a blessing it is to give it to someone who has such a strong desire to have it. Then it's always nice to go to that home cuz every time we're there they feed us...yup it's nice:) Alright well things are good...nothing else to say. Hope you all are great! Talk to ya soon!
Elder Devenney
Monday, April 20, 2009
April 20, 2009
This week has been a hectic one...but good to stay busy. It started out good...just been teaching a lot. We've been teaching this guy named Elasmus and his cousin, her name is Fausta. For the past two sundays they've been coming to church. He was previously taught about a year ago, but we picked him back up and started to teach both of them now. They've gotten really interested and yesterday even they were both jotting down notes at church on the talks that were given. They're pretty solid and we're going to start seeing them about twice a week. I'll keep ya posted on their progress.
I cant remember if i told you last week but this guy named Gilbert found us. We were driving and i just so happened to see this guy as we drive past try to flag us down...i thought he was just waving. We ended up stopping just down the street anyway for our appointment and he came running down the hill. Turns out he had just got back to Nam, he had previously been in SA studying for school, but had met with missionaries about a year ago and really wanted us to come and visit him. He was so happy to see us. He still remembered so much too. We saw him and taught him and he basically already knows quite a bit. It was a perfect example of the blessing of being guided to someone that is prepared. He's a cool guy. About 24. His dad isn't too cool tho..so we had to teach him outside of his house...but it was still alright.
Elder Fragar and myself have been keeping quite busy with Public Affairs. He was in charge of it before he was on mission, for about 3 years, all across Aus. That was one reason he was sent up here to Nam, so he can build up the Public Affairs. We already have plans being made for the Mormon Helping Hands project in August and we're just trying to meet with those important people of the country here in Nam. Last week we had a meeting with a lady where we presented our ideas for the city. Even this morning we met with...well not just the two of us...but a lady named Womba who has a calling in the church who is the Director of Public Affairs here, we all met with about 15 advisors of the Regional Department of Health and Services...something like that...at a big round table and briefly spoke about the ideas for the Helping Hands project. They will be discussing it futher and letting us know. In the future we're hoping to also meet the Mayor and Prime Minister. Who knows if we'll be able to tho...but yeah that keeps us busy...more Elder Fragar...but i'm there for support.
Over the weekend we had Zone Conference and i think it was the best one i've been to. It's probably the one that i got the most out of...i had to give a spontaneous talk...but it went good. Then after we were addressed by both Pres and Sister Probst, ate some good lunch and then talked more about things going on and just really gave good direction for us. Pres also spoke about the Parable of the Sower...also comparing it to the vision of the Tree of Life...it was amazing. I wont go into detail but basically we're trying to work with our members and to introduce PMG to them...we want everybody to land on good ground and bring forth fruit...even as the parable says...that sounds kinda stupid but i promise the talk was good. We had Workshops the day before that and really got great ideas on how we can introduce PMG to the members. We're trying to get at least 3 families trained on how they can use it and how they can do missionary work on their own. This is the big focus right now all across the mission. Yeah and then yesterday at church Pres and Sister Probst again spoke in Sacrament...and then i had to teach Gospel Principles Class with them there...it was intense...but went way good and overall at church we had something like 15 investigators there with the district. So it was a good sunday.
Friday we had our Scripture study class for the first time...went good. Small turn out but it'll slowly build up. We're doing Christlike Attributes right now...nothing to report there.
O funny stuff...yesterday there was this guy in a Land Rover sitting outside of this house that we were teaching at...we ran out to get some stuff out of the car and we hear this "Hey guys" but it definitely wasnt Nam or SA accent. It was this guy from the U.S. from Atlanta. He said he had been here since 2007 and he married a Namibian. Anyway he was cool and he basically just called us cuz he said we looked like Americans and he had to find out. It was weird to hear him speak tho...i'm no longer used to that accent of the south. It was funny. But he was cool. His name was Ollie! ha! cool name eh? Alright well hope that's a good enough update for the week! It's been a good one...staying busy...Hope everyone is doing great! Love ya!
Elder Devenney
I cant remember if i told you last week but this guy named Gilbert found us. We were driving and i just so happened to see this guy as we drive past try to flag us down...i thought he was just waving. We ended up stopping just down the street anyway for our appointment and he came running down the hill. Turns out he had just got back to Nam, he had previously been in SA studying for school, but had met with missionaries about a year ago and really wanted us to come and visit him. He was so happy to see us. He still remembered so much too. We saw him and taught him and he basically already knows quite a bit. It was a perfect example of the blessing of being guided to someone that is prepared. He's a cool guy. About 24. His dad isn't too cool tho..so we had to teach him outside of his house...but it was still alright.
Elder Fragar and myself have been keeping quite busy with Public Affairs. He was in charge of it before he was on mission, for about 3 years, all across Aus. That was one reason he was sent up here to Nam, so he can build up the Public Affairs. We already have plans being made for the Mormon Helping Hands project in August and we're just trying to meet with those important people of the country here in Nam. Last week we had a meeting with a lady where we presented our ideas for the city. Even this morning we met with...well not just the two of us...but a lady named Womba who has a calling in the church who is the Director of Public Affairs here, we all met with about 15 advisors of the Regional Department of Health and Services...something like that...at a big round table and briefly spoke about the ideas for the Helping Hands project. They will be discussing it futher and letting us know. In the future we're hoping to also meet the Mayor and Prime Minister. Who knows if we'll be able to tho...but yeah that keeps us busy...more Elder Fragar...but i'm there for support.
Over the weekend we had Zone Conference and i think it was the best one i've been to. It's probably the one that i got the most out of...i had to give a spontaneous talk...but it went good. Then after we were addressed by both Pres and Sister Probst, ate some good lunch and then talked more about things going on and just really gave good direction for us. Pres also spoke about the Parable of the Sower...also comparing it to the vision of the Tree of Life...it was amazing. I wont go into detail but basically we're trying to work with our members and to introduce PMG to them...we want everybody to land on good ground and bring forth fruit...even as the parable says...that sounds kinda stupid but i promise the talk was good. We had Workshops the day before that and really got great ideas on how we can introduce PMG to the members. We're trying to get at least 3 families trained on how they can use it and how they can do missionary work on their own. This is the big focus right now all across the mission. Yeah and then yesterday at church Pres and Sister Probst again spoke in Sacrament...and then i had to teach Gospel Principles Class with them there...it was intense...but went way good and overall at church we had something like 15 investigators there with the district. So it was a good sunday.
Friday we had our Scripture study class for the first time...went good. Small turn out but it'll slowly build up. We're doing Christlike Attributes right now...nothing to report there.
O funny stuff...yesterday there was this guy in a Land Rover sitting outside of this house that we were teaching at...we ran out to get some stuff out of the car and we hear this "Hey guys" but it definitely wasnt Nam or SA accent. It was this guy from the U.S. from Atlanta. He said he had been here since 2007 and he married a Namibian. Anyway he was cool and he basically just called us cuz he said we looked like Americans and he had to find out. It was weird to hear him speak tho...i'm no longer used to that accent of the south. It was funny. But he was cool. His name was Ollie! ha! cool name eh? Alright well hope that's a good enough update for the week! It's been a good one...staying busy...Hope everyone is doing great! Love ya!
Elder Devenney
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